POLICE are investigating to determine whether a man jumped, or was pushed, from a third floor window in a block of flats.

The unemployed 22-year-old, who has not been named, was found lying on a path at Stanley, County Durham, by a passer-by.

Both legs were fractured and he suffered a suspected broken jaw and collar bone and other head injuries.

The man underwent surgery at Durham's University Hospital.

Detectives are trying to find out if he jumped out of the open window to escape an attack, or was pushed out.

The incident happened in Mackay's Mews at about 6.45pm on Thursday.

The man was able to tell police that he came out of a third floor window in nearby flats, a fall of about 20ft.

Police believe he had only been on the ground for a few minutes before he was found.

Officers have arrested two youths, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, in connection with the incident.

They are trying to establish whether all the man's injuries were caused by his fall.

Detective Inspector Simon Orton said: "There is a bingo hall nearby and a lot of people would have been making their way there for the evening.

"The victim has received some very serious injuries and I would appeal for anyone who can help us to establish the chain of events to come forward.''

Anyone with information should call CID at Stanley police station on (01207) 232144 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.