A GANG attacked a 17-year-old youth with a cricket bat while he was walking with his girlfriend.

In an unprovoked assault, the gang set upon the teenager, punched him repeatedly then hit him in the face with the bat.

The attack took place at about 9.30pm on Friday in Locke Road, Redcar, Teesside.

The victim was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he was kept overnight.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call PC Gavin Brown on (01642) 302626.