A MAN who received a serious head injury in an alleged assault may also have been struck by a passing car, police said last night.

The injured man, 43, needed hospital treatment for a gash on his head following the incident in Crook at 7pm on Sunday night.

Police have appealed for information from anyone walking or driving in Commercial Street, near the junction with Moravian Street, at 7pm.

Two men arrested on Sunday night were still being questioned yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Dunny McCubbin, of Crook CID, said: "This was a serious assault and it is possible the victim may have been struck by a car in the road.

"There was a red or burgundy-coloured car in the area and we are led to believe that the driver stopped outside the Crown pub before driving on.

"The driver may not have been aware that someone had been assaulted or that he had hit the car.

"We would also like to talk to a woman, who gave the man first aid at the scene, but left without giving her details. She did an excellent job."

Witnesses are asked to call Crook CID on 0845 606 0365.