A DETECTIVE was left with serious facial injuries after a vicious attack by youths.

Detective Superintendent Dave Jones was punched and kicked in the unprovoked attack, near the Woodham Way roundabaout, Newton Aycliffe, at about 9pm on Thursday, as he responded to complaints of youths causing a disturbance.

Det Supt Jones was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance after the attack, which left him with facial injuries and an injury to his ankle. He was released after treatment.

A police spokesman said: "He had been alerted by a neighbour to the activities of a group of young men who had been behaving anti-socially in a garden and who were subsequently responsible for a disturbance in the street."

Det Supt Jones knew officers had been alerted to the problem and were on their way, so went in search of the trouble-makers, finding them near the roundabout.

As he was in plain clothes, he identified himself to the group of four youths as a police officer, and was then attacked by them.

One of the youths was white, 20, 5ft 8in, of broad build and was muscular.

He had a shiny bald head and acne on his chin. He was wearing a white, tight fitting v-neck T-shirt and dark trousers.

Another was white, aged 18 or 19, 5ft 10in, slim, with a thin face, dark eyebrows and brushed back, dark brown hair that appeared thick and wiry.

He was wearing an anorak style, three-quarter length two-tone beige jacket. It had a cord drawn in around the waist, and the dark brown collar was pulled up.

Anyone who saw the attack is asked to contact police on (01325) 314401, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.