A MAN is critically ill in hospital after being attacked outside his home.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said the 45-year-old man was assaulted in Coquet Street, Chopwell, Gateshead, at around 4pm on Saturday.

Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital with head injuries where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of assault following the incident but they have since been released on police bail.

Detectives are carrying out investigations to establish exactly what has happened and have now appealed for any witnesses to get in touch.

Anyone who saw the assault, or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the Coquet Street area on Saturday, should call Northumbria Police 101 quoting log 1014 15/07/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone with information can also provide it online at www.northumbria.pnn.police.uk/contact or by emailing central.intelligence@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.