DETECTIVES continue to search for a 26-year-old man in connection with a serious assault that left another man fighting for his life.

Police are keen to speak to Tyler Willmott from Fishburn in County Durham in relation to an assault at the Black Lion pub, in Front Street, Sedgefield, shortly after 7pm on Boxing Day.

The victim, a 22-year-old man from Chilton, suffered serious head injuries and has not yet regained consciousness.

He remains in a serious and life-threatening condition at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.

Mr Willmott is believed to have been in the area at the time of the assault, but so far officers have been unable to trace him.

Police have not yet released a photo of Mr Willmott.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendant Paul Goundry, said: "We are asking members of the public not to approach Mr Willmott directly, but to contact police on 101 if they know of his whereabouts.

"This was an incident which left the victim in a very serious condition.

"If there is anyone else who saw what happened, or has information which may help our inquiries, we would like them to come forward."