THREE people who stopped to help the victim of an unprovoked assault could hold vital information on his attackers, say police.

The 28-year-old man, who has not been named, was attacked as he walked from Consett to his home in Medomsley Edge, at about midnight on Friday, December 20.

He met a group of three men walking in the opposite direction as he passed Berry Edge Farm.

The trio attacked the man in what police said was an unprovoked assault.

They kicked and punched him to the ground, then stamped on his head.

The victim was left on the ground with facial injuries, including a black eye and three broken teeth.

A man walking nearby saw him lying on the path and tended to his injuries. He flagged down a car and the two women occupants took the injured man to Consett police station.

PC Jacklyn Fenwick said: "We are appealing for anybody who witnessed the assault to come forward, in particular the unknown male and the females who helped the victim.

"They might be able to give us a description of his attackers."

Anyone with any information should contact PC Fenwick on (01207) 504204.