A MAN has appeared in court accused of assaulting a police officer and a member of public who came to his aid following a weekend disturbance.

 His appearance comes as police continue investigations into a serious incident in Victor Street, Chester-le-Street, which left a man critically injured on Saturday morning. 

Christopher Hills, 30, of Gregory Terrace, Houghton-le-Spring, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today.

During a short hearing, he pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer and to an assault by beating of a member of the public.  

The case was adjourned to March 16.

Mr Hills was arrested following the incident on Saturday, in which a 36-year-old man suffered serious head injuries.

The victim remains in a critical but stable condition at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Three other people – a 30-year-old man and two women aged 35 and 36 – who were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, have been released pending further police inquiries.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, who is leading the investigation, said: “We believe this was a targeted assault and that all parties were known to each other.

“Officers will remain in the Victor Street area of the town over the next few days as inquiries continue.

“I would like to appeal to anyone with any information on an incident occurring in Victor Street between 12am and 5.30am on Saturday morning to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 96 of January 13 with information.

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