A MAN was taken to hospital after he was allegedly punched unconscious in North Yorkshire at the weekend.

The assault happened on Wellington Road, Whitby, at 1.35am on Sunday.

A spokesman for the force explained: "The incident involved a number of people, during which the suspect allegedly assaulted a 54-year old local man by punching him in the face and another man by landing a number of punches to his head and body.

"The man punched in the face was knocked unconscious and was later taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital for treatment.

"A 23-year-old man from Whitby was arrested at the scene and later bailed pending further inquiries."

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward.

The spokesman added: "Additionally, it is believed the suspect assaulted a number of other people immediately prior to the incident in which the victim was knocked unconscious. We urge those people to come forward."

The suspect is described as white, aged 23, 6ft 2in tall, medium build, with short brown hair. He was wearing a long-sleeved pink shirt with thin vertical white stripes, dark blue jeans and brown suede boots.

Anyone with information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two, and ask for Nick Durkin, or email nick.durkin@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Quote the reference number 12180073336.