A MAN will appear in court this morning charged with attempted murder.

The charges are in connection with an incident early on Saturday morning that left another man seriously ill in hospital.

Detective Sergeant Ian Sturrock, of Bishop Auckland police, said a 25-year-old man received a serious neck injury during an incident in which a caravan was allegedly set on fire at 6am on Saturday.

The victim required immediate surgery.

He is now described as being in a stable condition in Darlington Memorial Hospital.

His partner was uninjured in the incident.

Det Sgt Sturrock said a 44-year-old local man had been charged in connection with the incident, which took place in William Street, in the Auckland Park area of Bishop Auckland.

He said Alan Spensley, of Auckland Park, would appear before South Durham Magistrates' Court, in Newton Aycliffe, this morning, charged with attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

Det Sgt Sturrock said: "We are investigating a serious assault."

He appealed for witnesses to contact either himself, on (0845) 60 60 365 extension 6732105, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.