AN appeal has been made after a male cyclist was dragged from his mountain bike and punched and kicked.

The alleged assault happened at about 3.30pm on Tuesday, in Hartlepool, on the footpath directly opposite Clavering Road.

Police say the victim, a man aged in his early thirties, was riding his mountain bike when a large group of males, all aged around 16 years old, dragged him from the bike and assaulted him by punching and kicking him. They then made off with the bike in the direction of Hartfields.

The victim was left with minor head injuries which did not require hospital treatment.

Officers believe there were around 15 or more in the group. One of the suspects is described as a white male, around 16 years old, of slim build, with short, dark hair and wearing a black jacket, red T-shirt and black trousers.

The stolen bike is a Cube Aim Pro mountain bike in orange and blue.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone who may have been offered the bike for sale or may know the identity of any of the group responsible, is asked to contact Detective Constable Jason Young from Hartlepool CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 075245.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.