A MAN was in a critical condition in hospital last night after a fight broke out in a busy market place.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened near The Pack Horse pub in Stanhope on Friday night.

It is believed that the fight between two men started at the fairground at about 11.30pm.

One man, who is believed to live locally, is in Middlesbrough General Hospital's intensive care unit with head injuries.

Another man was arrested and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Constable Neil Jones, from Bishop Auckland Police, said: "The market place was very, very busy on the night and there were a lot of people about.

"People must have seen something and we would urge them to come forward."

Witnesses should contact Detective Constable Duncan Gill, at Crook Police Station, on (01388) 762011.