Bricks have been thrown at a crime scene protected by police following a suspected attack that has left a toddler fighting for her life.

Officers are guarding the mid-terrace house in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, following an incident on Wednesday afternoon.

A two-year-old girl remains in intensive care at the RVI in Newcastle and a man in his 20s has been released by officers following his arrest.

Read more: Toddler dies in hospital after alleged assault

He was arrested on suspicion of assault with intent to cause serious harm and has been questioned by detectives.

The Northern Echo: Rocks in the road on Milton Grove. Picture: GAVIN HAVERY Rocks in the road on Milton Grove. Picture: GAVIN HAVERY (Image: Rocks in the road on Milton Grove. Picture: GAVIN HAVERY)

Rocks were hurled at the scene on Milton Grove while police were in attendance on Wednesday and police issued a plea to allow officers to continue their investigation.

Read more: Suspect quizzed over serious assault after girl, 2, is critically injured

A police van has been parked outside the house overnight and remains there to protect the area as it is being treated as a crime scene.

Forensic investigators have been back for a second time today (Friday, September 30) as the inquiry continues.

The Northern Echo understands officers were targeted with missiles as they sat outside the house overnight on Thursday.

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Several half bricks, which could have hit neighbours, houses or cars, were found in the road.

Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Barker said: “A police vehicle was deliberately damaged whilst in attendance at the scene, and I’d like to remind the public that obstructing our officers as they carry out their enquiries is not helpful.

“Please allow us the space to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.”

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