Police have issued an e-fit of a man who launched a frenzied hammer attack on a passer-by in Chester-le-Street this week.

The attacker had been hiding in bushes in Picktree Lane and then pounced on a 39-year-old man, raining about a dozen blows on his head and temples with a hammer.

The victim had been walking home after a night out in the town when the attack happened and he was found in a dazed condition by a driver at about midnight. The motorist then alerted police.

Investigators have carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area but are baffled by the savage assault, which was apparently unprovoked and motiveless.

The man they are now searching for is described as thin and wore dark clothing, a long-sleeved cotton jumper with a crew neck and black demin jeans.

Anyone who has information about the attack is asked to ring Chester-le-Street CID on 0191-388 4311.