A PRISON officer was critically ill in hospital last night after being punched in the face outside a pub.

The 35-year-old man, who was off-duty, was out with his wife in Durham City when the incident happened on Tuesday night.

The couple were enjoying a drink in Yates's Wine Lodge, in North Road, when the man became involved in a verbal exchange with a group of men.

This degenerated into a scuffle, and the couple left the bar at about 8.45pm, followed by a number of customers who had been ordered to leave.

The prison officer was punched in the face and fell heavily to the ground.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham with head injuries, and was later transferred to the intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital.

His condition is critical.

Acting Detective Sergeant John Stadius, of Durham City CID, said officers were keen to speak to anyone inside the pub who witnessed the trouble, as well as people in North Road who may have seen anything.

They are asked to call police on 0191-386 4222, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

* A 29-year-old local man was yesterday arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

He was last night being held at Durham City Police Station, where he was being questioned.