A TEENAGER is fighting for his life following an incident in a Darlington nightclub.

The 18-year-old male was left unconscious near to the main dance floor of Escapade nightclub, in Gladstone Street, Darlington, about 1am on Saturday.

Police officers were called to the scene and the teenager was taken to the James Cook Memorial Hospital, Middlesbrough, with a serious head injury.

The victim, who is from the Glasgow area of Scotland, is in intensive care and a police spokesman this afternoon descirbed his condition as critical.

Det insp Ian Sturrock, of Darlington CID, said: "A number of people were inside the club and may have witnessed an altercation between two groups of men which led to the man being found unconscious.

"We are anxious to trace anyone who has information which could help with our inquiries into this incident."

A 17-year-old youth from the Darlington area was arrested and questioned by police after the incident. He was given police bail until February.

Anyone with information about what happened should contact Darlington CID on 0345-60-60-365 or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.