Police are appealing for information after the 19-year-old was punched to the ground and knocked unconscious as he walked along Chester Road, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, at about 2am on December 25.

Police spokesman Glyn Hellam said: "The 19-year-old was walking with a friend in the direction of Chester.

"As they approached the junction of Fairfield Avenue, almost opposite Bargain Booze, they were approached by two men.

"One of them punched the victim to the face which caused him to fall to the ground and he was knocked unconscious."

One of the men is described as about 6ft 3ins and of a large muscular build.

He was said to be wearing a tight grey roundneck T-shirt with buttons on the chest, jeans and brown shoes.

The second man was described as slim and about 5ft 9ins, wearing dark clothing and with short dark hair.

Mr Hellam added: "The offender was pursued by officers but ran onto Orchard Road and Bedford Avenue East where, it is believed, he hid in the gardens.

"The victim sustained a fractured skull and it's entirely possible he could be left permanently deaf as a result of the assault."

Anybody with information is asked to contact PC Hannah Walsh at Ellesmere Port Police Station on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.