A 31-year-old man is recovering after being attacked in Thornaby.
The man was walking along Baysdale Road, close to Thornaby Community School, on Sunday, at 9.45pm, when he was struck on the head.
Three men attacked him, repeatedly kicking and punching him as he lay on the ground.
The attackers ran off, leaving their victim with severe injuries. Robbery is not thought to have been a motive as nothing was taken.
The injured man was treated in hospital for cuts, bruises and a possible broken nose.
No witnesses have come forward and the victim has been able to provide police with few details about his attackers, except that they were aged between 18 and 30.
PC Jayson Morris said: "This was a very nasty and cowardly attack, which has left this man with severe bruising and cuts to his whole body and face."
Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302810.
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