A shopkeeper was fighting for his life last night after being flung from the bonnet of a car.

Police last night appealed for witnesses after Rakhvinda Garcha, 29, a married father-of-two from Darlington, suffered severe head injuries in the incident.

Mr Garcha, a former pupil of Carmel Technology College, was found barely conscious outside his father's shop in Bates Avenue, Cockerton, on Friday evening.

His injuries were initially not thought to be life-threatening but during the evening his condition worsened and he was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital.

He underwent a second operation yesterday to reduce swelling on his brain and his condition was later described as critical.

Mr Garcha, who is known as Raj to friends and family, is married to Rubinder and the couple have two children Simrun, four, and Simrid, three.

The Garcha family are well known in the area where they run a convenience store and the Faverdale post office.

His father said last night: "We just want him back home with us.

"It's been a very distressing time for the family and Rubinder and the children miss him.

"All the customers have been very supportive and they have sent us cards and letters."

A detailed forensic examination has been carried out by police at the scene as well as house-to-house inquiries in the area.

A dark blue Vauxhall Astra car, found in the Morton Palms area of Darlington, has also been subject to forensic tests. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Reddick said: "The Garcha family are very popular in the community and the shop is very well used.

"Obviously they are very concerned about Mr Garcha. They are being very brave as well as trying to continue about their business."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Darlington police station on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

* A man and woman, aged 38 and 39, from Cockerton, were last night being questioned about the incident.

The man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and the woman on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.