A PROMISING Darlington football star has had his jaw broken after he was allegedly punched in the face by a rival fan who ran on to the pitch during a game.

Police are investigating the attack on former Quakers striker Garry Williamson, which left him with plates permanently fixed into his shattered jaw.

The blow was so powerful that the 20-year-old's jaw was fractured in three places.

He was rushed to Darlington Memorial Hospital but was transferred to Middlesbrough General, where he underwent surgery to have three permanent plates inserted into his jaw.

His jaw has been wired and he will only be able to eat liquidised food for the next six weeks.

The incident, which left spectators stunned, happened during a Sunday league match between his team, Spraire RA, and close rivals East End Working Men's Club earlier this month.

The up-and-coming forward, who impressed during his first season at Feethams before leaving for the US, was injured about half an hour into the match, at the Railway Athletic Club, in Darlington, a top of the table clash in The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League Division One.

Shortly after an altercation with an opposing player, Mr Williamson was waiting to defend a throw in when a supporter ran on to the pitch and is alleged to have punched the player in the face.

A 42-year-old man was arrested by police and has been released on bail pending further inquires.

A police spokeswoman said: "There were obviously a lot of witnesses, as it took place during a match, and officers are currently talking to the people who were there."

An investigation into the attack has also been launched by the Durham Football Association following the submission of a referee's report on the game, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Spraire .

Ken Moore, secretary of The Northern Echo Darlington and District League Division One said: "We do not know what action we will be taking, if any, against the supporter but we will see what the FA decide before any decision is taken."