A SUSPECT has been arrested by police investigating an assault on a middle-aged man outside a pub. The 55-year-old victim is fighting for life in Middlesbrough General Hospital following the attack outside the King Oswy pub, in King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool. Detectives yesterday arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He was last night being questioned. Police want to talk to people who were in the area where the attack took place at 12.30am on Sunday. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Inspector Amanda Oliver on (01642) 302126.

PENSIONER HURT: A 75-year-old woman suffered arm and head injuries when she was dragged to the ground by a robber who stole her handbag in Roxburgh Street, Sunderland, at 11.15am on Monday. Police said the woman was going home having collected her pension from the post office in Roker Avenue. She was taken to hospital for treatment and released. Her attacker was in his late teens or early 20s, with short, blond hair. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-454 7555 ext 66126.

CHARGES DENIED: A Sunderland man has appeared in court to deny charges of indecent assault on three children. Preman Mudilikulam, 53, entered not guilty pleas to seven counts of indecent assault on youngsters aged between ten and 14. Mr Mudilikulam, of Elmwood Street, Sunderland, will return to court for a week-long trial in August.

WEDDING BELLS: Gordon Gibb, the owner of Flamingo Land, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, has married at a service in Kirkby Misperton. Mr Gibb, who is also chairman of Bradford City FC, wore a kilt to wed Victoria Binnington at St Lawrence's Church. More than 140 family, friends and locals attended.

MAN ATTACKED: A man was mugged by three youths as he walked along Queen Street, in South Shields, at 4.20pm on Monday. The youths pushed the 41-year-old to the ground and kicked him, before making off with a bag containing cash. He was treated in hospital and released.

RAILINGS STOLEN: Railings worth more than £1,000 were stolen from St Anthony's House, in Newcastle, between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Police have asked scrap metal dealers to be on the lookout. Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555 ext 62244.

HOME DEATH: An inquest will open tomorrow in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, into the death of David William Priestman, 21, of China Street, Darlington. He was found dead at his home yesterday morning.

CHEMIST BURGLED: Burglars broke into a chemist in Heaton Road, Heaton, Newcastle, between Sunday night and Monday morning. They stole a quantity of drugs, including codeine phosphate tablets.