A MAN needed hospital treatment after being stabbed with broken bottles following a night out.

The 21-year-old victim was attacked at about 2am on Saturday in Kimberley Street, Hartlepool.

He was getting out of a taxi after returning from a night out with friends when he was involved in a verbal altercation. He was then attacked by a group of men and suffered several puncture wounds, believed to be from broken bottles. The suspects then ran off towards the Burn Valley area.

The victim was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees for treatment.

Three men, aged 21, 22 and 24, have been released on bail pending further inquiries in relation to the incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Jason Mactaggart of Hartlepool CID on 01642-302178.