Police appeal after concerning footage of “assault” appears online.

We are appealing for information after being made aware of what appears to be an assault on a man who is believed to be homeless.

The incident features on a social media channel and appears to have taken place at dusk (around 9.30pm to 10pm) possibly last night (Monday 9^th June) although the exact date and time cannot currently be confirmed.

The location is believed to be outside Sainsburys on Westbury Street, Thornaby and footage shows a homeless man sitting on the ground outside the store.

Two juvenile boys (filmed by an unknown third party) are seen to approach the man, look around to check they won’t be apprehended then attack him, kicking him in the face several times, stamping on him and repeatedly punching him.

While we have not received any report from the victim, we are appealing for information so we can check his welfare and also identify and speak to those believed to be responsible.

If you have any information which could assist, please contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 105064.

If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to independent charity www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111.