POLICE believe an assault on two men and their car could be linked to a house burglary.

Witnesses to the incidents, which happened in the area of Coniston Grove shops, at Acklam, Middlesbrough, last Friday, between 11.30am and 11.45am, are being urged to come forward.

Three youths were reported to have carried out an attack on two men, one aged 28, the other, 24, near a pizza shop, and their car was also damaged.

A house in Coniston Grove was also broken into, and the 25-year-old householder, who was sleeping downstairs on a sofa, was punched in the face and told not to move as his home was searched.

The man managed to call Cleveland Police and the intruders, all youths, fled in the direction of Acklam Road, with two stolen packets of cigarettes.

Witnesses are asked to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 303133 or 303344.