A MAN is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering serious head injuries during a disturbance in Chester-le-Street on Saturday morning.

Officers were called to an address in Victor Street at about 5.30am.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Four people – two men aged 30 and two women aged 35 and 36 – have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. They are currently in police custody.

"Police believe this was a targeted incident and that all parties are known to each other.

"A police presence will remain in the Victor Street area of the town as enquiries continue."

Paramedics took the injured man to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 5.29am to the Victor Street area of Chester-le-Street.

“Police were on scene and we sent one ambulance.

“We have taken one male patient, who was on the street outside a property with serious head injuries, to the RVI.”

Anyone who has any information on an incident occurring in Victor Street between 12am and 5.30am is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 96 of January 13.

Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.