AN appeal was made last night for witnesses to a sustained early hours' attack to come forward to aid police inquiries.

The unprovoked assault took place in Framwelgate Peth, in Durham, as the 26-year-old victim made his way home from a city centre night spot.

Having lost touch with friends on leaving a North Road night club, he began to walk in the direction of the University Hospital of North Durham, where he planned to use a pay phone to ring for a taxi to take him home to South Stanley.

But, heading towards County Hall roundabout, he was approached from the opposite direction.

He was accused of following a young woman walking just ahead. Despite his denials, he was struck about the face, falling to the ground.

The woman, who had briefly spoken to the assailant before the attack, shouted to him to stop.

The attacker then joined the woman and they left, leaving the victim to stagger to the nearby hospital for treatment for serious facial injuries.

Following transfer to Sunderland Royal Hospital, he underwent surgery for fractures to his eye socket and cheek bone.

PC Paul Kelly, of Durham Police, said the assault took place about 2.30am on Tuesday, August 2, but has only just been reported.

"The victim has no recollection of whether he was hit by an implement of some sort, or by a fist, but his injuries would suggest this was a sustained attack.

"In addition to the fractures, he has suffered swelling and bruising to the back of his head."

PC Kelly said it was fortunate more serious injuries were not inflicted.

"It appeared to the victim that the woman and his assailant knew each other.

"It is possible the woman feared she was being followed and had made contact, possibly on her mobile phone, with the assailant who came to meet her."

The attacker had short gelled-forward dark hair, brown eyes, and was wearing a black and white horizontal-striped jumper.

It is thought the woman had long dark hair.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Durham CID on 0845 60 60 365, or anonymously, via Crimestoppers freephone line, on (0800) 555111.