TWO teenagers have been arrested after a man was found unconscious in the street with serious head injuries.

The 17-year-old men are being questioned by detectives after the victim was found in the early hours of Monday in the Owton Manor area of Hartlepool.

The 24-year-old, who remains in a critical condition in hospital, had been with friends in the Hour Glass Public House until midnight.

He left the pub and was found at the junction of Eskdale Road and Eaglesfield Road at about 12.45am by a member of the public, with significant head injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where his condition is still said to be "critical".

Police said that just a few minutes before the man was found, three people were reportedly seen arguing in the street at the same spot.

The pair remain in custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.