Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked in a County Durham park – with the emergency services believing that a large group at the scene filmed the shocking assault on their mobile phones.

Officers from Durham Police were called to Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street at around 7pm on Monday, July 18 following reports that a male was assaulted.

According to the police force, a large group was present during the incident and may have recorded the assault on mobile phones.

Read more: A19 crash: Motor scooter rider fights for life as arrest made

Durham Police is now appealing to anyone with information about the incident to get in touch with the police. They are also asking for anyone with any footage of the assault to come forward.

A spokesperson for Chester-le-Street Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses after a male was assaulted at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street. The incident occurred at around 7pm on Monday, July 18.

"A large group were present during the incident and may have recorded the assault on mobile phones.

“If anyone has any footage of the incident or any information which may assist the investigation, please contact PC 9320 Bowes direct by email scott.bowes1@durham.police.uk quoting reference number CRI00413270."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054