A MAN suffered serious head injuries following a vicious assault near a primary school.

The victim, from North Wales, was visiting Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for a funeral when he was attacked at about 1.30am yesterday (Thursday, July 24).

After receiving treatment at the scene, the 25-year-old was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where his condition was initially described as critical.

However, he has since improved and is now classed as stable.

Earlier this morning (Friday, July 25), police arrested a 20-year-old man from Newton Aycliffe on suspicion of assault.

He remains in custody at Bishop Auckland Police Station for questioning.

The victim was with a friend when he was attacked near Woodham Burn Junior School in Humphrey Close.

Detective Chief Inspector Brad Howe said he believed other people were also present when the assault took place.

He said: “We believe the victim and his friend had been walking along Pease Way and Stephenson Way shortly before he was attacked.

“We are keen to trace anyone who might have seen the incident or who was in that area of Newton Aycliffe early on Thursday morning.”

The attacker is described as white, possibly in his early twenties with short, dark hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.