THE unsolved case of a man left for dead after a savage beating will not be closed, detectives have vowed two years on.

In March 1999, Douglas Taylor was attacked as he walked his dog near the home he shares with family in Yarm Road, Darlington.

The severe head injuries that Mr Taylor suffered in the assault have made the investigations more difficult, as he still struggles to recall much of the night's events.

The time that has elapsed since the attack makes the inquiry even more problematic.

But Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, who led the investigation, promised yesterday the file would never close.

"The case still remains open," he said.

"We've had one or two snippets of information, which have been acted upon, but none have led us to the culprits of the assault."

Thirty-nine-year-old Mr Taylor was unconscious in hospital for more than two weeks after the attack.

He was found lying in a field next to the Hope Inn, on Yarm Road, at 10.15pm on March 12, 1999, by his father-in-law Barry Franklin, after Mr Taylor's wife, Michelle, had become concerned.

He had left his home to walk his dog, Scooby, 45 minutes earlier.

Mr Taylor, a manager at Amec, has returned to work.

Anyone who has any information is urged to contact either Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.