A FATHER continuing to fight for his life in hospital five days after being brutally attacked in Hartlepool town centre.

The battling 32-year-old, who has been named locally as town man Mark Dixon, was attacked in Victoria Road, close to its junction with York Road, on Sunday, October 5, at 4am.

He suffered serious head injuries and was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he remains in a critical condition.

Detectives investigating the incident arrested a 28-year-old Hartlepool man on Tuesday on suspicion of assault.

The man has since been released on bail while police carry out further investigations.

Officers were scouring CCTV footage and making door-to-door inquiries, and also launched a round-the-clock witness line for anyone who has any information.

The number to ring is 01642-302191 or the non-emergency number 101.