DETECTIVES are investigating claims that a man was subjected to an hour-long torture ordeal at the hands of a stranger.

The victim told police how he was forced to mop up his own blood, before the beating continued.

The 21-year-old, who has asked not to be named, was attacked as he walked home from work, in Darlington.

Detectives in the town have appealed for witnesses to the attack, which took place on Friday, April 6.

The man, who works a factory operator, said he was approached by another man, near the town's Civic Theatre, at about 10.30pm.

The man followed him into Borough Road and, without warning, began kicking and punching him.

He thought the sustained attack had finally come to an end when the man, who he believes was under the influence of drugs, apologised to him and said he was upset because he had just split up with his girlfriend.

But the man suddenly began hitting him again and then dragged him into a nearby house, where the attack continued.

The victim said by that stage he was terrified and was pleading for his life.

"When we were in the house, some of my blood went on the wall and he made me clean it up before continuing to hit me," he said.

"I thought he was going to kill me but after about half an hour in the house, he let me go.

"I managed to get home and when my dad saw the state I was in he phoned an ambulance."

The attack left the man with a broken arm and cuts and bruises to his face and body.

He has been unable to return to work and is still frightened to leave the house.

"I haven't been able to sleep because I am concerned that the person who did this will recognise me and torture me again," he said.

"I gave a description to the police and I hope they catch him before he does this sort of thing again." Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, has appealed for witnesses or anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

"We are pursuing positive lines of inquiry in regard to this apparently motiveless attack," he said.

Darlington police can be contacted on (01325) 467681.

People can also contact Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.