POLICE have appealed for help from witnesses to trace members of a gang that carried out a cowardly attack on a man outside his home.

The incident was sparked after small objects, probably stones, were thrown at the windows of the house where the 46-year-old victim lives alone, in Nightingale Place, South Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday evening, as he watched television.

Because he has endured previous problems with local youths, he was anxious to avoid a confrontation.

He tried to leave by his back door to use a neighbour's phone to ring police, because his mobile phone had no credit.

But when he emerged from the rear of the house, a large number of youths, thought to be the same group that had been throwing the stones at the front, appear to have walked round to the rear of the row of terraced houses.

The group, aged 11 to 16 and including at least three girls, confronted the householder and violence flared, with the youths punching and kicking the man to the ground.

He lost consciousness during the attack and suffered a broken nose, possible fractured ribs, cuts to his face, and severe bruising to his head and body.

He was treated at the University Hospital of North Durham, and has been allowed home to recuperate.

PC Dave Taylor, of Stanley police, said: "This was a vicious assault, which has left the victim seriously injured.

"Having had problems in the past, he did not want a confrontation, but the gang set upon him only yards from his back door.

"We are hoping passers-by, perhaps local people out walking their dogs, would have seen what happened and may be able to give us a description of the youths."

Anyone with information is asked to call Stanley police on (01207) 232144.