POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a vicious weekend street attack that left a man needing hospital treatment for serious head injuries.

The 37-year-old victim, who has not been named, was found by police on grass outside Macrae House, an old people's home in St Andrew's Square, Murton, near Seaham, on Sunday night.

The man, who is from Murton, was semi-conscious and suffering from head injuries consistent with a severe beating.

He was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital where yesterday his condition was said to be critical but not life-threatening.

He has not fully regained consciousness and police have so far been unable to establish a motive for the attack.

It is thought two men were involved in the beating, which took place in the parking area next to St Andrew's Square.

Detective Sergeant Neville Carman, of Peterlee CID, said he was hoping for information about an X-registration 4x4-type vehicle, which was seen in the area about an hour or so before the attack took place.

The two men inside the vehicle stopped at least once to ask directions to Macrae House.

Det Sgt Carmen said police hoped to speak to the victim when he was well enough, but in the meantime they would like to hear from anyone who saw the incident or who may have seen the vehicle in the area on Sunday night.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.