A TEENAGER needed hospital treatment after he was attacked with a hammer following a night out in Guisborough.

The 17-year-old man was assaulted at around 1.30am on Sunday when he was walking in an alleyway between the town's Hawkstone Close and Aldenham Road.

His injuries were treated at James Cook University Hospital before he was discharged yesterday morning.

During the attack, the victim's mobile phone and a packet of cigarettes were taken from him.

Detective Sergeant Andy McBride, of Redcar & Cleveland CID, said: "This was a vicious, cowardly attack on an unsuspecting, unarmed young lad who had been for a night out in Guisborough that night and was in no state to defend himself.

"I am appealing for any information which may help us with our enquiries and I am also appealing for anyone who has found a black Sony Ericsson phone with red stripes or a hammer in the area to contact Police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Richard Hodgkinson at Kirkleatham CID on 01642-302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.