Police have released CCTV footage of a man being punched to the ground in an attack in the city of Durham.

The 24-year-old man was pushed to the ground by one attacker and then, when he stood up and started walking, was flattened after being hit on the head by another man.

The incident took place on Saturday, 2 April as the victim, who has asked not to be identified, walked along Silver Street at 9pm.

He suffered facial injuries, a snapped front tooth and hearing loss in his right ear.

Passers-by raised the alarm and his attackers - part of a group of three men and a woman - were seen casually walking away.

The man who punched the victim is described as tall, of medium build, with black hair.

He was wearing a light grey or white top, jeans, black and white trainers and a red coat.

PC Paul Vickers said: “This was a particularly nasty assault and there were several witnesses captured on the CCTV.

"We would like to trace the group walking towards him when he was attacked, which included two young children, as well as anyone else who witnessed the incident.

"Although the injuries were serious they could have been a lot worse, if not life changing, and it is imperative we find the people responsible.

"We have conducted extensive enquiries and trawled CCTV across the city and we are satisfied the group headed towards North Road.

"I am now asking the public for help in identifying who these people are.”

Maxine Thompson-Curl, from the campaigning charity One Punch North East, added: “One-punch assaults happen far too often, people need to understand the horrific consequences of a single punch.”