A GRANDFATHER was left lying in a pool of blood after two youths beat him senseless in a North-East social club.

Police were last night appealing for witnesses to the attack, which left the 62-year-old with serious head injuries.

Police say Harry Hall was subjected to a sustained attack in Bishop Auckland Football Social Club, in County Durham, as he was enjoying a quiet evening with friends.

The self-employed window cleaner was taken to Bishop Auckland hospital where he was given 12 stitches in his head and treated for severe bruising all over his body, including his face.

He was detained in hospital overnight, but is now recovering at his home in the town.

Yesterday, he spoke of his ordeal in the hope it would encourage people to come forward.

He said: "It all happened so quickly. I know I have been very lucky. It could have been so much worse.

"They just kept hitting me. At one point I was lying face down and when I opened my eyes there was a pool of blood. It was just gushing from my head like a tap. I don't know what happened next."

Mr Hall, who is a committee member at the club, was attacked after confronting two youths who he says were misbehaving at the pool table.

He said: "There was no other committee member there. I was just doing what I was supposed to do.

"Maybe I spoke out of turn, I don't know."

He said one of the youths came over to the table where he was and poked him in the eye with a pool cue.

He said: "I stood up and saw the other one coming towards me in a crazy way. I didn't know what else to do.

"I launched myself towards him. I am not a fighter, I didn't even throw a punch. I just like to go out have a quiet night and enjoy myself.''

Detective Constable Karl Hopps, of Bishop Auckland police, urged witnesses to come forward. He said: "We know there were quite a few people in the bar that night and we would urge people to come forward. This has been sustained attack, which has left this man with serious injuries."

Two men were arrested in connection with the incident, which happened last Monday at about 7pm. They were later released on bail.

Witnesses are asked to call 0845 60 60 365.