FURTHER arrests are being planned after a man suffered serious injuries during a suspected stabbing over the weekend.

Several people were arrested following the assault outside the wine bar, in Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, just after 4am yesterday morning.

The victim has been identified locally as an employee of town’s The Golden Lion pub.

The Northern Echo: INCIDENT: Scene of incident in Barnard Castle Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

INCIDENT: Scene of incident in Barnard Castle Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

His injuries were not life-threatening and he was released from hospital the same day.

The main road through the town - the A67 - was closed between MacFarlane's Family Butchers and the pedestrian crossing all morning to allow forensic investigators to examine the crime scene while activities that were part of the 1940s weekend were moved to Scar Top.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police has today confirmed the force is planning more arrests and interviews after reviewing CCTV footage from several premises in the area. Those arrested yesterday have been “released under investigation”.

She said: “The disturbance on Sunday morning involved a number of individuals in and around the Horsemarket area of Barnard Castle.

“CCTV footage of the incident has been recovered and viewed from a number of premises in the area.

“As a result of this incident all those arrested at the time have been released under investigation.

“Police are following up and contacting witnesses to the incident.

“It is known that other persons were involved in the disturbance and further arrests and interviews are being planned.

“A file will be presented to the Crown Prosecution Service in due course in order to allow them to consider the facts and evidence on this matter.”

Bishop Auckland CID are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, particularly those who filmed it on their mobile phones.

You can contact Bishop Auckland CID by calling 101 and quoting incident number DHM25062017-0099.