A WOMAN has suffered 'life-changing' injuries after being assaulted at a house in Hartlepool.

The 24-year-old was found with serious neck injuries and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.

Police were called to an assault at an address on Stephen Street, Hartlepool, at around 3.20am on Wednesday morning.

Detectives are carrying out inquiries to trace a man who may have information to assist the investigation.

Anyone who may have heard or seen anything suspicious in the area of Stephen Street at around 3.20am is asked to contact Detective Inspector David Snaith at Cleveland Police.

He can be reached on the non-emergency number 101 or people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org