POLICE are appealing for information after an assault outside a Sunderland church left a man fighting for his life in hospital.

At about 10.45am today police received a report that a man had been assaulted in the car park of Hope House Community Church on Hendon Road.

The 40-year-old had got involved in an altercation with two other men in the car park at which point he was assaulted and fell to the ground.

Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries by the air ambulance. The two men had fled the scene upon police arrival.

Enquiries to trace those involved are still ongoing and police are now appealing for help from the public.

Detectives are asking that anyone who saw two men leaving the area concerned, or have information that could identify them, to get in touch with police. If anyone can assist detectives then they are asked to call 101 quoting log 368 23/03/18 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.