A 29-YEAR-OLD man was arrested yesterday after an alleged assault at a town centre taxi rank in the early hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at 1.15am in Bishop Auckland market place, County Durham.

A 23-year-old Bishop Auckland man suffered a fractured jaw and was operated on yesterday afternoon at the James Cook Memorial Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

A police spokesman said: "The victim was punched in the side of the face in what was an unprovoked attack. The attacker then walked off, leaving his victim unconscious."

He said there were a number of people in the market place at the time and urged anyone with information to come forward.

The arrested man was released on bail while police make inquiries. They can be contacted on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.