A STUDENT remains unconscious in a North-East hospital two months after a fall near his digs.

Third-year history student Peter Wake was found unconscious at the foot of concrete steps in an alleyway off Grape Lane, near the Elm Tree pub, in the Crossgate area of Durham City, on November 21.

The 20-year-old Durham University undergraduate suffered a fractured skull and has undergone lengthy treatment in intensive care at Newcastle General Hospital, where he is still unconscious.

Despite initial concern that he may have been attacked, Durham Police have confirmed that the case is no longer being treated as suspicious.

But investigators are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mr Wake, a member of St John's College, Durham, was out with fellow university rowing club members on the night of Tuesday, November 20.

He was seen on city centre CCTV leaving the Loveshack nightclub, in Walkergate, crossing Milburngate Bridge, apparently heading for his flat in Allergate, shortly after midnight on Friday, November 21.

Mr Wake, who is 6ft and slim, with dark wavy hair, was wearing a distinctive blue and white hooped short-sleeved shirt, which has a rugby-style collar.

His parents travelled from Surrey to be at his bedside following news of the fall and have spent much of the past two months at the hospital.

But a Durham Police spokesman said at some stage Mr Wake may be transferred to a hospital nearer the family home.

Anyone who may have seen Mr Wake apparently heading towards his flat in the early hours of November 21, is asked to contact police, on 0845-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.