Police cordoned off a back lane in Gateshead after a man was attacked by a gang and left injured.
Officers were called to the back lane on Coatsworth Road, Bensham near to a shoe repair shop just before 9am on Tuesday.
There they found that a 27-year-old man who had been assaulted by a gang of men.
He was taken to hospital but is expected to make a recovery.
The lane, near Claremont South Avenue, was cordoned off for several hours before it is believed police left the scene at around 1.30pm.
Officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have information on the attack.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "At about 8.55am today police received a report that a 27-year-old man had been assaulted by a group of men on a rear lane near Claremont South Avenue earlier that morning.
"He was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
"Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting log 178 19/11/19."
