A MAN was beaten by drunken teenagers in front of his three terrified sons.
Tony Charles was attacked after he confronted the gang for verbally abusing a young papergirl.
Plant operator Mr Charles, 45, was left blood-soaked and needing hospital treatment after being punched in the face and hit with a bottle as he cycled home from work at about 4.30pm on Friday.
The attack, on a footbridge in Bartram Street, Monk-wearmouth - close to Mr Charles' home - was witnessed by his wife Paula, 34, and their children, Adam, three, Harry, two, and five-months-old James, who had come to meet him.
Shocked Mr Charles, who may need an operation for a broken nose, said: "I'm furious. My wife and children were terrified."
A neighbour rang police before running to Mr Charles' aid, and the gang were pursued by police as they ran off into Thompson Park.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested and released on bail pending further inquiries.
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