POLICE have appealed for information from witnesses to a concerted assault on a man at a garage forecourt.

The 43-year-old victim suffered a suspected fractured skull after being attacked by a group of up to four people believed to be armed with iron bars.

Detectives investigating the assault, at a garage in Byron Street, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, are also keen to trace the movements of a white Ford panel-type van.

Police said the attackers left the scene in such a van, which carried the logo of Aquajet, a drain cleaning company.

It was later traced to an address in Chester-le-Street from where a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding.

He was said to be helping police inquiries today.

The victim of the assault was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, where he is undergoing tests in the intensive therapy unit.

Durham Police said because of the nature of the victim's head injuries, investigating officers were unable to interview him about the incident.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Moore said his officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area and who may have witnessed the incident.

They are also keen to trace the movements of the van either side of the attack, yesterday evening, at about 9.30pm.

Det Sgt Moore said: "This is a serious assault which left a man badly injured.

"It would seem this has not been a random attack, but the motive is not yet clear."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845-60 60 365, or the Crimestoppers freephone line, on 0800-555111.