POLICE have arrested a third person on suspicion of attempted murder after two youths were found with severe head injuries on a Stockton footpath.

Earlier today, Cleveland Police said two males aged 31 and 16 from the Stockton area had been arrested following the incident at 1.05am on Thursday morning.

Two males were found seriously injured on a path leading from Portrack Lane to Norton Road, close to the Tecaz store, and were believed to have been riding a motorcycle which had been removed from the scene.

Tonight police said a 34-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He remains in police custody, along with the 16-year-old.

The 31-year-old has been released on bail pending further investigations.

Detectives believe that there were three males on the motorbike when the incident took place.

Two teenagers aged 16 and 19 remain in James Cook University Hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries. Both are described as being in a ‘critical but stable’ condition.

A third male, aged 16, received treatment at the University Hospital of North Tees for head and hand injuries and has since been released.

Officers have recovered a motorbike in the Roseworth area which is believed to have been ridden by the three males.

A silver Ford Focus, which may have also been involved in the incident, was recovered by police in the Hardwick area.

Enquiries are continuing into the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Neil Cawthorne from Cleveland Police Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org