A WOMAN has been left with serious head injuries this afternoon after she was attacked with a hammer outside the primary school where she worked.

Police raced to Burradon Primary School in North Tyneside at 12.07pm.

They found a 21-year-old woman with head injuries in the school car park with the man who was armed with a hammer.

A spokeswoman from North Tyneside Council has confirmed that the woman was a member of staff at Burradon Primary School.

She said: "All we can say at the moment is that is was a member of staff from the school."

Northumbria Police said that the victim and her attacker were known to each other.

The victim was rushed to hospital where she is still receiving treatment though her injuries are not thought life threatening.

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Neighbourhood Inspector John Smith said: “Police are dealing with the incident which involved two people who knew each other.

“No children were outside the school at this time. No-one else has been injured. Inquiries are ongoing into the incident.”

Anyone with information should call 03456 043 043 or contact Crimestoppers.