Man, 73, critical after assault

A pensioner has been badly beaten outside a pub in County Durham.

The 73-year-old had spent the evening with friends, and left Blake's pub in the centre of Newton Aycliffe in the early hours of Saturday.

Officers said what happened is unclear, but the man was later found with severe head injuries. He is currently in intensive care in a critical condition.

Durham Police said a local man in his 20s had been arrested in connection with the incident and was in custody.