POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a late-night attack which left a teenager badly cut and bruised at the weekend.

The 18-year-old man was walking to his home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, between midnight on Friday and 12.30am on Saturday when he was attacked.

He was approached by one man who asked him for money at the junction of Cockton Hill Road and McIntyre Terrace. He was then set upon by another four men who pushed him to the ground, punched him and stole a wallet and cash.

DC Jim Lawrie said: "We want any witnesses, such as taxi drivers and people going home from nightclubs, to contact us with descriptions of the males involved.

"We believe there may have been similar incidents in the area that have not been reported to the police, so we urge possible victims to come forward as they may able to help with our inquiries."

Anyone who witnessed the attack or has been involved in a similar incident in the town is asked to contact police on (01325) 742311.