A MAN is recovering after he was hit with a bottle in an unprovoked nightclub attack.

The 35-year-old factory team leader, who has not been named, needed seven stitches to his head and will be scarred for life.

He had gone into Monty's nightclub, in Front Street, Stanley, shortly before midnight on Saturday.

He was talking to a woman on the edge of the dance floor, when his unknown attacker struck.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham.

Detective Constable Andy Phillips, of Stanley CID, said: "He was not drunk and was talking quite sensibly to the girl. He has no recollection of the attack, which momentarily stunned him and knocked him to the floor.

"He had been hit over the head with a bottle from behind or from the side, causing an injury that will leave him scarred.

"There was absolutely no justification for the attack, which left the victim with a serious head injury."

He said the club was busy at the time of the incident and he is keen to speak to any witnesses, especially the woman who was talking to the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Phillips at Stanley police station on (01207) 232144, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.