POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an assault which left a man with a deep gash on his face.

The 45-year-old victim was walking through the alleyway in Russell’s Yard, in Darlington, when he was beaten up in an unprovoked attack.

The incident, which happened at 8pm on Friday (December 19), left the victim with a one-inch deep gash on his face above his left eye, which may need plastic surgery.

PC Gary Fenwick, of Darlington police, said the victim was laid unconscious on the floor for a few minutes before a Good Samaritan called the police.

“The guy has no idea what it is about. He had been to a Christmas party and was on his way to get the bus home. Nothing was taken during the incident so it isn't a robbery,” he said.

“It was a busy night and there would have been a lot of people coming and going.”

He urged anyone who may have seen the incident, or who saw the man lying on the floor after the assault, to come forward.

Anyone with information can call Darlington police on 101 and ask for PC Fenwick.