A DOG has died after being attacked by a hammer during an assault which has left a man critically ill in hospital.

Police were called to a report of a serious assault at a property on Cleatlam Close in Stockton at 10am on Sunday.

As a result of the incident a 46-year-old man was taken to James Cook University Hospital by air ambulance. He remains in a critical condition.

Cleveland Police have now confirmed a dog at the address was attacked with what is believed to be a hammer.

It is also believed that the parties involved are known to each other and police do not believe there is any risk to the wider public at this time.

Officers remain in the area to provide visible reassurance and to continue inquiries to trace the suspect.

Acting Neighbourhood Inspector Mark Doherty said: “I realise that the community may have concerns about what happened and I fully understand this.

“However I want to reassure residents that we do believe that the victim and suspect know each other - and we are not aware of any current or specific risk to the wider public.

“Although no one has been arrested in connection with this incident, we are carrying out urgent and extensive enquiries to trace the man believed responsible for this very serious assault.

“We are deploying all possible resources and the incident is being investigated thoroughly and professionally by a dedicated team of detectives - with support from my neighbourhood officers and other specialist teams.

“Officers remain in the area to provide visible reassurance and anyone with concerns or information can approach them. Detectives are also conducting further inquiries in the area.

“I would repeat our previous appeal for anyone with information about this incident to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number, quoting Event 133353.

“If you prefer not to speak to police, then you can pass information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers via its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning them on 0800 555 111.