A SOLDIER has been left with a broken jaw after an unprovoked attack.

The 26-year-old was out in Darlington with fellow soldiers in the early hours of Sunday when the incident took place.

After they spent time in the Route 66 bar and bars in Gladstone Street, four of the group took a taxi to their barracks in Catterick, North Yorkshire, while two stayed to get food.

The victim was outside the kebab shop opposite the social services building when he saw his friend being attacked by an unknown man.

He shouted to the attacker, who turned on him and punched him on the jaw.

Two women pulled the assailant off and the two soldiers returned to Catterick, not believing they had been seriously hurt.

However, on Monday morning, the main victim went to see an Army dentist because his face was still hurting.

He was referred to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and diagnosed with a broken jaw and had an operation to insert a metal plate.

The attacker was 6ft to 6ft 4in, of tanned or possibly Mediterranean appearance and wore a dark jacket. He had a prominent scar on his nose.

Investigating officer PC Becky Nichol said: "The group of friends had not experienced any trouble during the night and this attack has been completely unprovoked.

"Even at that time of night, Gladstone Street would have been busy with people making their way home or calling in at the fast food outlets, so we are hoping there will be other witnesses."

Anyone with information can call 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800-555-111.