A GANG of around 20 broke a pizza delivery man's jaw by stamping on his face.

The 43-year-old told police his life flashed before his eyes during the brutal beating.

He was attacked by the gang who also set upon his 25-year-old colleague and smashed up their vehicle.

Officers were called to the rear of Park Avenue and School Avenue, in Blackhall, around midnight on Friday, where the delivery men were parked up in a Peugeot 205 car.

Inspector Cliff Down, of Peterlee CID, said it is believed the group had been in a local pub and had made their way to the nearby Little Italy pizza shop.

He said: "It is an absolutely horrific attack on two innocent delivery guys who have sustained nasty injuries."

Both men, from Blackhall, were taken to the University Hospital North Tees, in Stockton. The 43-year-old was later transferred to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Two men were questioned on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and later released on bail.

Police fear there could be more victims of the gang after a 17-year-old reported being assaulted nearby at about the same time.

In another incident a doorman was assaulted at Shades nighclub, in Church Street, Hartlepool.

Police said the victim suffered facial injuries after being assaulted by two men shortly before 4am on Sunday.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in connection with the incident.

And in another incident a man suffered stab wounds during a house fight.

Two men, aged 30 and 19, needed hospital treatment following the incident in Station Road, Peterlee.

Police were called at 2am on Sunday and both men, who were later arrested in connection with the disturbance, were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital for treatment.