A MAN was being questioned last night by detectives on suspicion of attempted murder after a fellow drinker was slashed across his face in a pub.

The 27-year-old victim received 20 stitches to the face and 12 to his throat following the attack, in the Park Hotel, Hartlepool, at 10.30pm on Monday.

He was slashed from the right side of his mouth up his neck to his ear. He was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital and was transferred to Middlesbrough General before being released.

A man, also 27, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder. Both men are thought to be from Hartlepool, but neither has been named.

Detectives have appealed for anybody who was in the pub, in Park Road, at the time to contact them on (01642) 302126.