THREE people were attacked and a woman knocked unconscious in a suspected hate crime in Teesside. 

An investigation is underway into the attack, which happened on the night of Thursday, March 17, in Stockton.

Two women were taken to hospital after a gang of four men launched the attack, which involved a weapon. 

Two women and a man, all in their 20s, were outside the Premier convenience store in Yarm Lane between 10pm and 11pm when a group of four men started verbally abusing them.

The men then launched a physical attack, involving a weapon, against the three victims.

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One of the female victims reported losing consciousness as a result of the assault and also suffered an arm injury.

The second female victim sustained injuries to her eye and elbow.

Both women required hospital treatment.

Police are carrying out investigations. 

The assailants are described as male and thought to be aged in their late teens to 20s.

The group of men were all around 5’7” and wearing zip-up hoodie tops, thought to be dark-coloured.

Officers are investigating the matter as both a serious assault and as a hate crime.

Enquiries are already underway, including viewing relevant CCTV.

Police now want to appeal to members of the public who may have witnessed this incident to share what they saw, or any information which may assist, on 101, reference 044726.

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Alternatively, anyone who may have information on this matter but does not want to give their name, can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.

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