By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe CID are appealing for information after a serious assault in the region.
Police have released an image of a man (below) suspected of being involved in a violent disturbance at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield on the evening of Friday 27th April.
The incident happened in the foyer area of the hotel at around 7pm after the lobster festival event which had been on at the hotel during the day.
A number of people were involved in the disturbance which left one man seriously injured.
The 48-year-old local man suffered slashing injuries and was admitted to James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough, where he underwent surgery for injuries to his neck and jaw.
The victim received over 100 stitches internally and 30 stitches to the external wound, and police have today issued an image of the injury to highlight the severity of the attack.
Detective Sergeant Neil Jones, from Newton Aycliffe CID, said: “We are very keen to trace the man in the CCTV image.
“As you can see from the victim’s injuries this was a very serious and violent assault and we would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward.
“We are also particularly keen to speak to anyone who was at the Lobster event throughout the day and was taking photographs.
“It may be that any photographs taken hold vital information which will help us piece together what led up to this violent incident.”
Five men aged between 30 and 50 have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, they have all been released on police bail until the end of May.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101 and ask for DS Neil Jones at Newton Aycliffe CID or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
