TWO men have appeared at court after a man was attacked with a hammer in broad daylight on New Year's Day.

Sean Ross Riley, 28, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today jointly charged with Ethan Gladeton Smith, 19.

A third man, Jason John Smith, 22, is also co-accused. He is due to appear at court this week.

Both Sean Ross Riley, 28, and Ethan Smith, 19, entered no pleas to one charge of grievous bodily harm with intent in Wheatley Hill, County Durham on January 1.

Riley, of Dalton Terrace, Wheatley Hill, and Smith, of Luke Terrace, Wheatley Hill, were both given conditional bail.

They will appear before a judge at Durham Crown Court on February 8.