A MAN arrested following an assault in which the victim was knocked unconscious has been released by police, as their inquiries continue.

Officers were called to reports of an assault on Market Street, Ferryhill, at around 2.25pm on Wednesday.

The victim, a 51-year-old man from Stockton, was punched to the face and fell to the ground.

He was taken to The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where his condition was described as serious but stable.

A 30-year-old man was arrested later that day on suspicion of assault by causing grievous bodily harm and taken into custody to be questioned by officers.

A Durham police spokesperson said today: "The suspect has been released without bail pending further investigation.

"The victim's condition remains the same."