A MAN suffered a suspected broken nose when he was assaulted in Darlington in the early hours of Saturday.

The incident happened at about 3am, on a pathway running alongside Newton Lane.

The victim, a man in his early forties, was attacked as he made his way to a garage to pick up a packet of cigarettes after a night out.

The man stumbled into a man and woman walking along the path in the opposite direction and, after a brief exchange of words, he was punched twice in the face.

A spokesman for Darlington Police said yesterday: "The man fell to the floor and marks to his face suggest he was then scratched by the woman.

"He did not seek hospital treatment initially, but was due to visit Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday to have his injuries seen to. His nose has been badly swollen and may well have been broken by the assault."

The investigating officer, PC Becky Nichol, said; "Even at that time of morning, it's possible other people may have been using the path as they made their way home.

"If anybody saw a couple in that area around this time, I would like to hear from them."

PC Nichol can be contacted on 0845-60-60-365. Callers can also ring Crimestoppers with any information on 0800-555111.