A 40-year-old man remained in a critical condition in hospital last night after he was beaten unconscious.

Police believe Mark Burns was assaulted shortly before 1am on Monday in Stockton High Street.

Mr Burns, of Norton, near Stockton, was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with severe head injuries.

Last night, a police spokesman said that following an appeal, a number of witnesses had come forward. He said officers particularly wanted to talk further to a woman who spoke to detectives outside the Scope charity shop, where Mr Burns was found.

The woman gave some information, but left before they could take any more details.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 302226.