A GROUP of people who shocked a man with an electric stun gun and subjected him to a brutal assault have escaped justice after police were met with wall of silence.

Police have spoken of their dismay at the lack of response from community following the unprovoked attack which left a man fighting for his life.

The 40-year-old victim, who has not been named, needed brain surgery after being knocked unconscious by the device, which is usually used on cattle in slaughterhouses.

He was left for dead following the attack at Fourth Avenue, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, late at night, in September last year.

The attack is believed to have lasted about 30 minutes and at varying points involved between eight and 15 people.

When police and paramedics arrived the victim was unconscious on the pavement. He had suffered serious head and chest injuries and continues to suffer long-term health problems.

Detective Chief Inspector Ken Donnelly, who led the investigation, said: "A full and vigorous police investigation was carried out immediately after and in the weeks following the attack.

"Five people, two of them women, were arrested and questioned and released without charge and a file was submitted to the CPS who ruled there was insufficient evidence to proceeds."

DCI Donnelly added: "I remain extremely disappointed with the response and reaction of local people, many of whom witnessed what went on that night, either from their street from the windows of their homes.

"The lack of witness evidence means that the perpetrators have not been charged."

Speaking to The Northern Echo at the time of the attack, DCI Donnelly said he believed the victim's assailants had turned the handheld stun gun on him at an early stage of the assaults.

He said: "He was conscious until the stun gun - originally designed and manufactured to subdue animals going for slaughter - was used.

"He was then subjected to a series of physical assaults that left him with serious injuries.

"These guns are capable of building up a considerable electronic charge and would have knocked him out.

"They are prohibited weapons and are not legally freely available."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.