POLICE have released closed circuit television camera footage in a bid to trace witnesses to a brutal attack.

Teenager David Young was left fighting for his life in hospital after he was badly beaten up in Hartlepool's Queen's parade in the early hours of Saturday.

A 17-year-old male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with attempted murder and will reappear in court today.

Police investigating the attack are keen to speak to a group of revellers who may be vital witnesses in the case.

Detective Sergeant Tony Green, of Hartlepool CID, wants to hear from a group of males wearing white shirts who were near the war memorial in Victory Square when a youth ran by. They were with a woman who was wearing black trousers and top and had long blonde hair.

It is thought the alleged attacker may have run within feet of them as they walked between the memorial and the crossing in Victoria Road, opposite Hartlepool's Civic Centre. He ran off along Victoria Road, towards Avenue Road, between 1am and 2am on Saturday.

Trainee welder David, 17, of Raby Road, Hartlepool, is still in intensive care at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

He has opened his eyes, but the full extent of his injuries are not known. His condition was described yesterday as poorly but stable.

Anyone who can help to trace the group should call Hartlepool CID on (01642) 302133.