A MAN is critically ill in hospital after being found lying unconscious in a street.
Police officers found the man, who has not been named, on a pavement in Askrigg Street, Darlington, at 2.20am, yesterday morning.
He had a serious head injury and was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where is condition is described as critical.
Scenes-of-crime officers spent yesterday morning gathering evidence, but police say they are keeping an open mind about the incident.
Inspector Eddie Bond, of Darlington police, said: "At this stage, we do not know whether this man was the victim of an assault or sustained his injury as the result of an accident."
He appealed for witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.
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