An investigation has been launched after a man was left for dead in the street with severe head injuries after a mystery attack.
The 56-year-old had to be airlifted to hospital after being found in the small County Durham market town of Stanhope.
He was last seen leaving the Pack Horse Inn at around 2.30am on Monday in the direction of Stanhope Town Hall, where he was seen again at around 4.25am.
The man - who Durham Constabulary has identified - was found in Cross Street at around 8am on Monday.
He was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where remains in a critical but stable condition.
Now police are appealing for witnesses in an attempt to find out how he was injured.
He is described as white, around 5ft 10, of medium build with grey hair, wearing blue jeans, a padded burgundy jacket and a white polo top.
Detective Constable Graeme Hopkirk, from Bishop Auckland CID, said: “We are working to establish how this man sustained his injuries.
"We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the man in between the hours of 2.30am and 8am."
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call Bishop Auckland CID on 101 quoting reference number 109 of April 22.
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