TWO people were taken to hospital after separate street assaults in a short space of time.

A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious head injuries after he was attacked in Hartlepool in the early hours of this morning (SUN).

He was assaulted near Yates' Wine Lodge in Victoria Road at about 4.20am and was taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

He was still receiving treatment today.

A second man, aged 24, was assaulted a short time earlier near the Grand Hotel, on Swainston Street.

He suffered serious facial injuries and was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees for treatment. He was later transferred to James Cook University Hospital.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said officers were trying to establish if the two assaults were linked.

A 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with another incident, believed to be related to the assaults, and has now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Meanwhile police continue to look for a suspect in relation to the two serious assaults.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, anonymous calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.