A MAN has undergone extensive surgery on his face following an unprovoked attack.

The 33-year-old man was sitting alone at a table at a party at a County Durham farm when his attacker hit him on the side of the face for no apparent reason.

The victim will have three metal plates in his head for the rest of his life.

The incident happened in a converted barn at Butsfield Abbey Farm, near Satley, Lanchester, County Durham, early on Sunday, September 16.

About 100 guests were at the ticket-only party.

Detective constable Ian Snowdon, of Consett CID, said yesterday that officers had been unable to establish a motive for the savage blow.

He said: "It was a cowardly attack. The victim had no chance to defend himself, and was left very badly hurt. The plates in his face and jaw will be with him for life."

The victim, who police will only say is from County Durham, is 6ft 4in and slim. He was wearing distinctive tartan trousers.

The attacker was 6ft, in his mid-twenties, slim, with dark collar-length hair. He wore a dark jumper and dark trousers.

He was thought to be among a group of guests from the Crook or Bishop Auckland areas. Among them was a man with shaved ginger hair, 6ft and about 17 stone.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Consett CID, on (01207) 504204.