POLICE have appealed for information after a family were beaten by a gang of up to 30 yobs.

Jeff and Maria Readman, from Thornaby, near Stockton, were on their way back from a children's party when they were set upon in the street.

Mrs Readman, 41, suffered a fractured skull and nose in the assault, which took place near the town's Stirling Way. She was in intensive care for two days, underwent two operations and has been left with a large scar across her forehead.

She has been told she will never regain her sense of smell due to nerve injuries.

Mr Readman was treated in hospital for a fractured cheek bone and was released the day after the attack, on September 22.

The couple's 15-year-old son, Ryan, suffered bruising to the back of his head, and Mr Readman's brother, Mark, 48, was treated for two broken fingers.

The couple's niece, Rebecca Readman, 24, and her boyfriend managed to escape uninjured and called the emergency services.

Mr Readman told police that he knew some of the men, aged between 17 and 25, but does not know why they were targeted.

He said: "We were coming back from a kiddies' party at about 10.20pm, walking to the Spitfire pub for the last couple of pints, when these kids started calling us and calling my daughter."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "Police have made several arrests and they have been released pending further inquiries. Further arrests are anticipated."

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to call Detective Sergeant Mick Todd, of Stockton CID, on 01642-302226.