A Woman is anxiously awaiting the results of hospital tests on her husband, who is believed to have been twice run down by a car driven by thieves.

Company director Chris Hields suffered a fractured skull, eye socket and broken bones in the incident in which it is alleged thieves stealing stock from his firm used the car to attack him.

The 53-year-old was left lying outside his business, CA Hields (engineering) Ltd, on the Durham Lane industrial estate, Eaglescliffe, at the weekend.

Speaking exclusively to The Northern Echo yesterday, Mr Hields' wife, Sue, said: "Consultants are examining scans.

"He is recovering, but we have a long way to go.''

Detectives have so far been unable to speak to Mr Hields, who is being treated in Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail.

Two are aged in their early 20s and one is 19.

Two people arrested earlier at the weekend were released without charge.

The car, a J-registered Vauxhall Astra, was found abandoned at the scene.

Police have urged anyone who was near the industrial estate at about 11am on Saturday or anyone who saw the car to speak to Detective Sergeant John Ward on (01642) 302233 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.