A MAN has been arrested in connection with a violent attack in a pub which left a man fighting for his life.

The victim, Mark Drummond, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital after being hit over the head with a chair, leaving him with multiple fractures to his face and a bleed on his brain.

The 33-year-old, from Darlington, was later transferred to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where last night his condition was described as stable.

A 32-year-old man, also from Darlington, was yesterday arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was last night in police custody.

The attack happened just after 11pm on Monday at The William Stead pub, in Crown Street, Darlington.

Police are still searching for a second man believed to have been involved in the assault.

Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson, of Darlington police, said: “It would appear he has been assaulted with a chair over the head within the premises.

“We have the other suspect on CCTV and are confident we will be able to locate him.

“The owners of the pub, JD Wetherspoon, have been excellent. Whatever we have required for our investigations they have co-operated with and helped us.

“The attack took place in the downstairs area of the pub, directly in front of the bar. It was a violent attack and anybody who witnessed it would have been shocked by the level of violence used.”

The pub closed immediately after the attack, and remained shut throughout Tuesday to allow police to carry out their investigations.

It has since reopened.

Anyone who witnessed the attack, or has any information, is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.