A THIRD man was helping police with their inquiries last night into a vicious attack which left three men badly hurt.

The 28-year-old, from east Durham, was being questioned at Peterlee police station about the New Year's Day assault at a house in Frederick Street, Seaham.

Two men, aged 18 and 26, suffered fractured skulls, and their conditions continued to be poorly, but stable, in Newcastle General Hospital last night.

Their 38-year-old friend was in Sunderland Royal Hospital, with two broken legs and a broken elbow.

Up to five men are believed to have burst into the terraced house, at 5.45am on New Year's Day, hitting the victims with baseball bats.

A weapon with a blade is also believed to have been used in the incident, which spilled out of the house and into a back yard.

Last night, a 27-year-old man and a 31-year-old man, both of Seaham, also arrested in connection with the incident, were released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

The attack is believed to be linked to incidents that took place in Seaham's Fern Crescent, on New Year's Eve, and another disturbance in or near the Duke of Wellington pub, Seaham Harbour, on Boxing Day evening.

Any witnesses, especially to the incidents in Fern Crescent and the Duke of Wellington, are asked call Seaham CID, on 0191-581 2255.