A 20-YEAR-old man has been left blind in one eye after a late-night attack.

At about 10.30pm last Thursday, after he had been drinking for some time, the man left the Gamecock pub, in Peterlee.

He was about to make his way to his parents' home, about half-a-mile away, when he was struck on the back of the head.

He fell to the ground and was repeatedly punched and kicked.

He was left bleeding heavily and was taken to hospital, where he has now been told by surgeons at Sunderland Eye Infirmary that he has lost the sight in his right eye.

Detective Constable Brian Roberts, of Peterlee CID, said it was not clear how many people were involved in what he described as "a cowardly attack on a totally defenceless young man".

"The motive for the attack is a complete mystery at the moment," said DC Roberts yesterday.

"The victim was not robbed - and there had been no aggravation inside the public house.

"At that time of night, there was a considerable amount of movement in the town centre, and we would like to hear from anyone who might have seen the attack, or anyone acting suspiciously."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on 0191-586 2621