A 40-YEAR-OLD woman, suffering from serious head injuries, was found by police lying unconscious in her home today.

Officers had gone to the property in Easington Street, Easington, east Durham, shortly after arresting an 18-year-old man on suspicion of stealing her car.

The woman, who lives alone, was rushed to Sunderland Royal hospital where x-rays and scans were carried out. She is currently sedated and unconscious.

Detective Sergeant Cliff Down said the alarm was raised at around 2.30am by neighbours in the street, when they spotted a man acting suspiciously and tampering with vehicles.

Police arrived to see him driving off in a Renault Clio, which belongs to the injured woman.

That vehicle was abandoned in a nearby street; police later spotted the man close by and he was arrested after a struggle.

The officers then went back to check at the home of the car owner and discovered the woman lying unconscious on the floor in a ground floor room.

She had severe bruising to her face and was bleeding from her mouth.

Det Sgt Down said: "The officers raised the alarm and this lady was taken to hospital for immediate treatment.

"This appears to have been a nasty attack carried out on a woman who lives alone.

"We need to speak to anyone who may have heard a disturbance or saw someone acting suspiciously in Easington Street and the nearby Paradise Street, Noble Street and Oswald Terrace between 1.30am and 2.30am today."

The suspect, who is from Easington, is in custody where he his helping police with their inquiries.

People who can help should ring 0345-60-60 365 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.