A 44-YEAR-OLD man suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked in Newcastle's Bigg Market at 10.20pm on Sunday.

A police spokesman said the victim, who was left unconscious, was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where he underwent brain surgery yesterday. His condition was critical. Two men in their early 30s, who were arrested nearby, were being questioned by police last night. Anyone who may have witnessed the assault has been asked to contact 0191-214 6555.

HAMMER GANG: A man was hurt when he was attacked with a hammer by a gang of six masked men who ransacked his house. Police said the 51-year-old was confronted by the gang when he answered the door of his flat in Vine Street, South Shields, at 9pm on Sunday. One of the raiders hit the man with the hammer before they stole cash and property. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police on 0191-454 7555.

MAN KILLED: A 39-year-old man, who has not been named, was killed when his car hit the railings of a pedestrian subway on the westbound carriageway of the A1058 coast road, between Battle Hill, Wallsend, and the Silverlink turn-off in North Tyneside, at 7.15am yesterday. Road closures caused serious traffic congestion in Wallsend.

LASTING CHANGE: Lord Puttman, Unicef's newly-appointed president and Sunderland University chancellor, has called on teachers across the North-East to raise cash for projects in Cambodia and Tanzania by taking part in Unicef's Day for Change 2003, on February 7. To register for the Unicef Day for Change, get an education pack or find out more by visiting www.unicef.org.uk or calling 0870 606 3377.

INQUEST ADJOURNED: An inquest was opened at Darlington police station yesterday into the death of Emma Tenwick, 21, of Eden Crest, Gainford. The former Staindrop Comprehensive student was found dead at her home on January 11. The inquest was adjourned for tests to be carried out into the cause of death. Miss Tenwick's funeral will be held on Thursday, at Darlington Crematorium, at 1.15pm.

SINGING FOR SEAMEN: The Carol Andrew Singers, from Darlington, are appearing at Hartlepool Rotary Club's fundraiser in aid of The Mission to Seaman, at Hartlepool Further Education College on Saturday. The concert starts at 7.30pm, and tickets are £5 from Hartlepool information centre, or ring (01429) 266793.

RAFT CHALLENGE: The British Lung Foundation is looking for volunteers to take part in a whitewater rafting adventure. Teams of six to eight people are required to raise at least £600 for the charity between them and will get to raft for free. Training will be given. Participants must be aged 14 or over. Call the Breathe North Branch office on 0191-263 0276 for an information pack.

CHRONIC PAIN: Sufferers of chronic pain are invited by the organisation Campain to a talk by the Patient Liaison Advisory Service, in County Hall, Durham City, next Tuesday, at 7pm. There will also be information on how exercise can help ease the symptoms of chronic pain. Call 0191-386 3407 or 0191-386 4395 for more information.