POLICE are trying to establish whether a man jumped or was pushed from a third floor window.

The unemployed 22-year-old, who has not been named, was found lying on a Stanley path by a passer-by.

He broke his legs and has jaw, collar bone and head injuries. He underwent surgery at University Hospital, Durham, where he was later said to be comfortable.

Detectives are trying to find out whether he jumped out of the open window to escape an attack or was pushed. The incident happened in Mackay's Mews at about 6.45pm last Thursday.

The man was able to tell police that he came out of a third-floor window in nearby flats, a fall of about 20 feet.

Police, who believe he had only been on the ground for a few minutes before he was found, arrested two youths aged 16 and 17. They have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Det Insp Simon Orton said: "There is a bingo hall nearby and a lot of people would have been making their way there for the evening. I would appeal for anyone who can help us to establish the chain of events to come forward.''

Anyone with information should call CID at Stanley police station on (01207) 232144 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.