A MAN who was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack after a night out with friends is in a critical condition in hospital.

The 24-year-old, of Darlington, who is not being named, has not regained consciousness since the assault at the weekend.

The victim was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital's intensive therapy unit after he was found with serious head injuries shortly after midnight on Saturday.

He was discovered lying unconscious in Victoria Road roundabout, on the St Cuthberts Way ring road, and appeared to have been kicked and beaten about the head and body.

Detectives believe he suffered a number of blows after he fell unconscious. He is described as in a critical but stable condition.

The victim had been out with friends and family in the town on Saturday but at the end of the evening he decided to walk back on his own to his home in Shakespeare Road.

Police believe he may have been chased by his attackers before the assault which they described as "completely unprovoked".

Two 17-year-old youths have been questioned about the incident and have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. They are due to answer bail on Thursday.

Darlington police are appealing for witnesses to the attack. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Gary Walton on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.