A man is in hospital in a critical condition after suffering a head injury while walking his dog in a Darlington park.

He was found by members of the public and now remains at the James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough.

North Lodge Park was cordoned off by officers on the evening of Saturday, November 19, and stayed  closed until Sunday, November 20.

All entrances to the park were taped off. Police cars were also situated around the park with one inside the park where there was another large cordon.

The Northern Echo: Police cordon and van on scenePolice cordon and van on scene (Image: The Northern Echo)

Read more: Darlington park closed by police as all entrances are cordoned off

A spokeswoman from Durham Police said: “It is believed the man was walking his dog at the time and collapsed suddenly. He was found by members of the public who started CPR.

“The man sustained a serious head injury and was taken by ambulance to James Cook University Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

“The park was cordoned off as a precaution until officers were satisfied there was no third-party involvement.”

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 19:07pm on Saturday 19 November to reports of a person feeling unwell in North Lodge Park, Darlington. We sent one ambulance and one rapid response paramedic. One patient was taken to James Cook Hospital.”

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