A MAN enjoying a Christmas night-out with workmates was hit in the face with a bottle in a Darlington nightclub.

Police today issued an appeal for witnesses to the unprovoked attack.

It happened in Inside-Out on Beaumont Street West on Saturday, December 18, at about 2.30am.

The victim was a 36-year-old man from Staindrop, near Barnard Castle.

He suffered multiple injuries requiring many stitches after being bottled by another man, police said.

Detective Constable Gary Walton, of Darlington CID, said the victim was initially taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital and then attended the University Hospital of Durham the following day.

His treatment included a general anaesthetic and an overnight stay in hospital.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact DC Walton via the non-emergency number 0345 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.