POLICE have issued a blunt warning that youths involved in so-called happy slapping incidents will be hunted down and brought to justice.

The crackdown by police in County Durham comes after a series of organised street attacks that were recorded on mobile phones to be posted on the internet.

In one such incident, described by experienced officers as sickening and unprovoked, an 18-year-old man was left needing specialist treatment for injuries to an eye.

The man was sitting on a low brick wall outside Forbuoys' newsagent, in Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, east Durham, when a man approached him and, after a countdown by his accomplice, lashed out.

He was repeatedly kneed in the face and punched several times.

After kneeing his victim again, the attacker threw him down some stone steps, before kicking and punching him again and stamping on his head.

The attacker and his accomplice left the man lying unconscious.

The incident happened on Tuesday, May 13, at about 7.30pm.

Detective Constable Lee Blakelock, of Durham Police, said: "This was a sustained, vicious, unprovoked attack in which the victim offered no resistance.

"Experienced officers who viewed the recording were sickened by the level and nature of the violence involved.

"It was only by dint of good fortune the victim was not more badly hurt.

"We believe from our inquiries that there may have been other similar types of attacks in the area, but the victims have been afraid to come forward and report what happened.

"We warn those who might think about getting involved in this type of behaviour that it will not be tolerated.

"We will fully investigate and relentlessly pursue those responsible."

A 20-year-old man appeared at Peterlee Magistrates Court on Friday, May 23, charged with wounding with intent. He was remanded in custody to appear at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday, June 4.

On Monday, a second man appeared in court to face the same charge. He was also remanded in custody until Wednesday, June 4.