A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was found with serious injuries at a house in Stanley.

Police went to a mid-terrace house in Poplar Street, in the South Moor area of the town, shortly after 10pm last night, after receiving a call from ambulance staff.

A 34-year-old woman at the house had suffered serious injuries to her head and body.

She was taken initially to the University Hospital North Durham before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where her condition this morning was described as ‘serious’.

A local man, also aged 34, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and is in custody at Durham city police office.

Police said the man is of no fixed abode but it is believed he has lived at the house in Poplar Street recently.

House to house enquiries in the area are taking place and a forensic examination of the two-bedroom property will take place through most of today.

The senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Paul Goundry said: “Poplar Street is a long row of terraced houses and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have heard a disturbance, or any other unusual sounds coming from number 29 on Monday evening.

“While we have a man in custody this investigation is still in its early stages.

"I would urge anyone who thinks they may be able to help to get in touch with us, or they can ring Crimestoppers if for any reason they would prefer not to call the police.”

Anyone with information should contact Durham Constabulary on 101 and ask for the incident room at Chester-le-Street police station, or they can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.