A MIDDLE-aged man has been left fighting for his life after a vicious assault outside a Hartlepool pub.
The 55-year-old is now on the critical list with severe head injuries after the attack outside the King Oswy pub in King Oswy Drive in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The family of the victim, who lives in Hartlepool, are currently by his bedside at Middlesbrough General Hospital.
Police believe the man was assaulted in front of witnesses at around 12.30am.
Det Insp Amanda Oliver, of Hartlepool CID, said: "This is a tragic incident which resulted from an apparent argument in the street.
"We have already identified several witnesses, but obviously we are keen to speak to anyone who was there when it happened.
"Although it happened at around 12.30am, we know there were quite a few people in the area and we need to speak to them urgently."
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Hartlepool CID on (01642) 302126.
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