A MAN was hit over the head with a bottle after being stopped by youths who asked for a cigarette.

The 26-year-old victim was walking through Pallister Park in Middlesbrough at 3.30am on Sunday, February 23 when he was approached by a group of around six youths.

The man told them that he did not have any cigarettes before being hit over the head with an object, believed to be a bottle.

The victim suffered a laceration to the front of his head which required treatment at James Cook University Hospital.

Any witnesses to the incident or anyone who may know the identity of the suspects is asked to contact PC Lyndsey Dale on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PINOCCHIO TALE: Stockton Stage Society, which is thought to be the oldest operatic society in the North-East, will stage the northern premier of Disney’s My son Pinocchio, Geppetto’s Musical Tale. The show will be staged at Billingham’s Forum Theatre between Wednesday, March 5 and Sunday, March 9 with matinees on the Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are priced between £10 and £15. Call 01642-552663.