Man seriously injured in row with mountain bikers

A man was left with a broken nose, fractured cheek and fractured eye socket after being attacked following a confrontation with a group of mountain bikers.

Alan Cummings was punched in the head and face by one of three men riding bikes near Cropton Forest on 20 April, North Yorkshire police said.

A spokesperson for the force described the victim's injuries, which required hospital treatment, as "shocking".

The force issued descriptions of three men they wanted to trace following the incident near Pickering.

The man who police believe assaulted Mr Cummings is said to be white, aged in his late 40s or 50, about 5ft 6in and of muscular build with broad shoulders.

Officers said he had a bit of a ginger beard, and possibly tattoos.

He was wearing bright-coloured cycling clothing and rode a yellow bike.

The second man is described as white, aged over 50, 6ft tall and wearing mountain bike gear including a tight blue waterproof coat, long trousers and gloves.

The third man is described as white, aged in his 30s, about 6ft, of slim build and with dark hair.

He wore glasses, three-quarter length shorts and other mountain bike gear including a black helmet. His bike was dark in colour.

Police asked anyone with information to get in touch.