A POLICE inquiry is under way after a 37-year-old man was found unconscious in the street.

The man from Marske, who has not been named, is still critically ill in Middlesbrough General Hospital with severe head injuries. His family are at his bedside. Paramedics were called to King Street at 3am on Sunday after receiving a 999 call. Police were informed of his condition several hours later. Checks are being made of closed-circuit television footage. Anyone who was in the area or has information is asked to call (01642) 302 626.

GETAWAY CAR: Police want to hear from anyone who saw a blue Ford Escort leaving the scene of an off-licence robbery or when it crashed at Coulby Newham. It had been used as a getaway car for a robbery at Threshers, in Marton, at about 9.50pm on May 23 but abandoned after hitting a lamppost. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Neil Robinson, of Middlesbrough CID, on (01642) 303 126.

INQUEST OPENS: An inquest has been opened into the death of an unemployed labourer who was found dead in his house. Gary Russell, 41, of Cranbourne Terrace, Stockton, was pronounced dead on June 3. Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield yesterday took evidence of identification from Pamela Riyadi, 42, of Essex Port Road, Stockton. The inquiry was adjourned for further investigations.

HOSPITAL DEATH: A Coroner has opened an inquest into the death of an 83-year-old woman who died after she was admitted to a Middlesbrough hospital. Anne Barbour was taken to the James Cook University Hospital on June 2, but died two days later. She lived at The Crescent, Nunthorpe, with her daughter Christine Barbour, who gave evidence of identification. The investigation into her death continues.

BULB THANKS: Park rangers at the Great North Park, in Stockton, have thanked children at the town's Crooksbarn Primary School, who planted bulbs in the park last year. The bulbs are now beginning to flower.