Four men have been arrested after a serious assault in County Durham that left a man needing urgent medical attention.

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were called to Ashfield in Newton Aycliffe at around 5pm on Saturday.

Unsubstantiated reports on social media suggest there has been a stabbing and an acid attack.

Read more: Images from scene as police investigate serious assault in Newton Aycliffe

The Northern Echo: The scene at Ashfield on Sunday morning The scene at Ashfield on Sunday morning (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The Northern Echo has confirmed there are large blood stains and a blood-soaked tea towel in the garden of a property now cordoned off as part on an official inquiry.

Forensic crime scene investigators were at the house on Sunday and have taped off two houses on either side within the row of terraces.

Residents using Facebook community groups have warned dog walkers to beware of broken glass and blood stains at the boating lake nearby.

People in the area were reluctant to discuss the incident but it is understood there was a large police presence in the area at teatime on Saturday.

One man, who did not wish to be identified or involved, said: “It all kicked off.”

Durham Constabulary have an office guarding the house and garden as a crime scene and the force has confirmed detectives are investigating.

A spokesman said: “Officers responded to reports of a disturbance in the Newton Aycliffe area yesterday (Saturday, November 26) at around 5pm.

“A man in his 30s was found with serious injuries at an address and was taken to hospital.

“Four men have been arrested in connection with the incident, and inquiries remain ongoing.”

The condition of the victim is not known at this stage.

Read more: Live updates on the incident in Newton Aycliffe 

The Northern Echo: Crime scene investigators carrying out their work at the propertyCrime scene investigators carrying out their work at the property (Image: Stuart Boulton)

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We received a call just before 5pm on Saturday to attend a private address in the Newton Aycliffe area for a patient who had been assaulted.

"A paramedic crew attended and took one patient to hospital."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward to help officers with the criminal investigation.

To assist with the inquiry, people are asked to contact South Durham CID on 101, quoting incident number 303 of November 26.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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