A TEENAGER was last night arrested in connection with an assault which left a soldier, only hours back from Afghanistan, in a coma.

The 19-year-old, from the Middlesbrough area, handed himself into police yesterday and is due to be questioned this morning.

David Grout had spent less than seven hours with his family after returning from Afghanistan when he was found unconscious outside a Teesside club at 6.40pm on Tuesday. Police believe he was confronted by two men, one of whom punched him to the floor, causing serious head injuries.

As a member of the 204 squadron of the Royal Signals, based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, he had spent two months in Helmand province before returning home for a short break.

The married, 22-year-old father- of-one is now in a coma after an operation to stem bleeding on his brain.

His family is keeping a bedside vigil at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

His wife, Kerry, and the couple’s 22-month-old son, Harley, flew back to the region from her parents’ home in Colchester, to be by his side.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Dave Mead said: “David returned home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan at about noon on Tuesday.

“That night, he went around the Eston area socialising with his mother and stepfather.

“At 6.30pm, he was at the Eston Institute with them. At about 6.32pm he went to the pub and went to stand outside to smoke a cigarette.

“Eight minutes later, he was found unconscious on the floor with head injuries.

“Members of the public contacted the emergency services and he was taken to hospital.

“His condition deteriorated and it was discovered that he had a bleed in the brain.

“In the early hours of yesterday, he underwent an operation and is now in a stable condition.”

Det Chief Insp Mead believes Mr Grout knew his attacker and has urged witnesses to come forward. He also appealed to the attacker to hand himself in.

He said: “I believe you knew David, you are aware he is a soldier and he has served his country bravely overseas.

“I believe there may have been a dispute and the attacker was someone David knew. I don’t believe he has been targeted because he is military personnel.

“David’s family is devastated by this attack and I am sure his attacker is feeling equally devastated. I would ask him to hand himself into the police, so we can put David’s family out of their misery.

“It is a terrible situation for them, naturally they spent two months worrying about David’s safety while serving in Afghanistan and within hours of coming home he is fighting for his life in hospital.”

Police cordoned off the area between Eston Institute and the Miners Arms in Eston High Street, near Middlesbrough, while officers searched the area.

The serviceman had been out with his mother Maureen Harrison and stepfather, Ian, when he was attacked in broad daylight on a busy street.

Det Chief Insp Mead added: “The attack was near to a pedestrian crossing and at the time the lights were on red and there was a queue of traffic, so significant witnesses must have been there. I would appeal for more witnesses to come forward.”

The 19-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Chief Insp Mead on 01642-302626.