A MAN was airlifted to hospital with stab injuries following a fight at a public leisure centre today.

Police arrested a second man at the scene on suspicion of wounding after violence broke out in the gym area at Belle Vue Leisure Centre, in Consett, County Durham.

The first report of the incident was made at 2.20pm, when two men were said to be fighting in the Lifestyle Fitness Gym, at the centre, in Ashdale Road.

Other users were evacuated and the immediate vicinity was cordoned off, including nearby Medomsley Road, with motorists asked to take alternative routes travelling to and from the town centre.

Durham Police said the victim, a 22-year-old local man, suffered stab injuries and was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

No details were available as to his condition in the immediate aftermath.

A force spokeswoman said a 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and was taken to Durham City Police Station for questioning.

She added: “The incident was contained and there was no risk to other members of the public.”

It was confirmed that those involved in the incident were not members of staff.

The centre is operated by Leisureworks, a trust which oversees sporting and entertainment facilities in the former Derwentside area of County Durham.