POLICE have released an e-fit picture of an attacker who struck a man over the back of the head on wasteland in Darlington.

The 24-year-old victim needed stitches after he was attacked by two men between Hundens Lane and the railway line on September 25, at 4.50pm.

PC David Nunn, from Darlington police, said: "The victim was just walking along on his own. Three males and a woman came towards him. Two of the males actually approached him and punched and kicked him. He was then hit with a hard object on the back of the head."

The man wielding the object was described as white, about 19, 5ft 8in tall and stocky. He was clean-shaven, had gaps between his teeth, and was wearing a white woolly hat, a white hooded top and blue jeans. He had a Darlington accent.

Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the attack is asked to call Detective Sergeant Dave Wilkes on (01325) 467681.