Police investigating an incident in which a man was left fighting for his life after he was punched have interviewed three off-duty officers, a force spokesman said today.

Tool fitter Graeme McMillan, 43, of Kingston Park, Newcastle, was struck outside a pub on the city's popular Quayside during a night out and fell to the ground unconscious.

His wife Carole has kept a vigil by his hospital bed where Mr McMillan remained ''very ill'' 11 days after the blow.

The officers, who volunteered to speak to Northumbria Police detectives about the incident, work for the neighbouring Durham force.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said:: ''We can confirm the three people who are helping us with our inquiries are off-duty police officers from Durham. ''Inquiries are continuing and we are still appealing for witnesses.

''The injured man is still very ill in hospital.''

A spokesman for the Durham force said none of their officers had been suspended following the incident outside the Bob Trollop bar.

''The situation will remain under review pending the outcome of the investigation,'' he said.

It is understood only one of the officers was questioned about throwing the punch.