A MAN is seriously ill in hospital after allegedly being assaulted in his home.

The 62-year-old was initially thought to have a broken nose but was later found to have internal bleeding.

Police and an ambulance crew were called to his home in Galloway Road, Peterlee, County Durham, on Tuesday.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "At first it was believed he had sustained only a broken nose and initially the victim declined to make a complaint to police. However, when he was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital it emerged his injuries were more serious than had been initially thought.''

The man, a widowed father of four, suffered serious internal bleeding and is now in the hospital's intensive care unit.

His condition is said to be critical but there has been a slight improvement.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and was last night being questioned at the town's police station.

Police are seeking witnesses to the incident who are asked call 0191-5862621.