POLICE are investigating an assault which has left a 30-year-old man with a serious head injury.

The incident took place on Cornwall Street, close to Uppingham Street, in Hartlepool on Saturday, October 3 at around 8.15pm.

"The victim is believed to have been punched by one male, who left the victim lying unconscious in the road. He suffered a significant head injury and remains in James Cook University Hospital," said a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police.

"Officers are conducting a number of lines of enquiry regarding the assault and anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone with information regarding it is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Neil Cawthorne from Cleveland Police Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org."