A CYCLIST suffered multiple facial injuries after thugs threw an unknown object at him from a moving car.

A Northumbria Police said the 63-year-old victim was riding his electric bike on Commercial Road in the Hendon area of Sunderland, at about 2.30pm on Thursday, May 21 when the incident happened.

A spokesperson for the force said: "After occupants from a passing white car threw an unknown object out of the window towards him, he subsequently fell off his bike and suffered substantial injuries to his face and shoulder.

"A male motorist who was travelling behind in a dark grey estate-type vehicle pulled over to check on the man’s welfare, before driving after the offending vehicle to try and get a number plate."

An investigation is ongoing into the incident, and police are now appealing for any witnesses – especially the man who pulled over to check on the victim – to come forward.

PC Kimberley Wright, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a nasty incident that happened on Commercial Road at the junction of James Burrell Builders Merchants.

“The actions of the occupants of the white car caused the victim – a vulnerable man who struggles with mobility – to come off his electric bike and suffer various injuries to his face and shoulder.

“He has been shaken by the incident, and we are now determined to locate those individuals involved.

“We are aware from various enquiries that a Good Samaritan did stop shortly after the incident and help the man, before driving off in a bid to find the offending vehicle. We are now appealing for that witness to come forward and speak to us.

“Equally, if you were in the area at the time and saw what happened, please get in touch – it might prove crucial to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website quoting log 773 210520. Alternatively, you can email 386@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.