DETECTIVES investigating an alleged assault in which a teenager suffered head injuries have identified a witness they would like to trace.

Officers received a report of an assault outside the Co-op on Grangewood Court, in Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring, shortly before 9pm on Friday February 21. .

Police attended and a 16-year-old male was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries to his head. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

An investigation was launched into the incident and officers arrested two males – aged 15 and 16 – on suspicion of assault. They have both since been released under investigation.

Inquiries are ongoing into the assault, and as part of their enquiries, detectives have now identified a key witness that they would like to speak to.

A man thought to be in his 40s or 50s left the Co-op moments before the assault holding a bottle of wine. It is hoped that he may have valuable information that can assist detectives.

Detective Constable Lindsay Kyle, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a particularly nasty assault that resulted in the victim being hospitalised for a number of days due to the wounds he sustained.

The man, or any witnesses who are yet to come forward, are asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1193 210220.