A TEENAGER was fighting for his life last night after being injured in a brawl outside a football clubhouse.

Fighting broke out near Crook Town FC's ground on Saturday night as families enjoyed an 18th birthday celebration inside.

Police were called to a fracas involving up to 30 youths at about 11.30pm as the night out turned to terror.

The 17-year-old boy was found by police lying unconscious on the ground near the entrance to the County Durham club, in West Road, having suffered serious head injuries.

An ambulance crew took the youth, who is from the Crook area, to the University Hospital at Durham City, and he was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital. Last night, he was described as being in a critical condition.

A local youth in his late teens has been arrested and was being questioned last night by detectives, who have set up an incident room at Bishop Auckland police station.

Yesterday, police working with a forensics expert, checked the scene. Football training and planned activities at the club were cancelled.

Witnesses should contact the incident room on (01388) 603566, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.