PEOPLE who attended a New Year’s Eve event at a skate park may be able to help police investigating a vicious assault.

A 25-year-old man remains critically injured in hospital after being assaulted in Sunderland in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

He was found unconscious near the Murco filling station in Pallion just after 2am.

The victim was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with severe head injuries before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where he remains in a critical condition.

Police believe the victim was involved in a confrontation with a group of four men, during which he was assaulted. He was accompanied by another man who was also assaulted, but suffered only minor injuries.

The group of men responsible for the attack are described as being around 25 years old and wearing “dark clothing”. Three were white and one black.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers based on Sunderland are keen to speak to anyone who attended a New Year's Eve event at the nearby Dexx Skatepark, as they may have information which may help the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.