A teenager is in hospital with a fractured skull after a fight between two groups of youths at a skateboard park.

The 16-year-old boy was hit over the head with a skateboard during the confrontation between up to 15 youngsters at the park behind Spenborough Baths in Cleckheaton yesterday evening.

He collapsed to the ground after being struck and was taken by ambulance to Dewsbury District Hospital.

He was later transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where his condition is being monitored on a neurological ward and he may face surgery.

Detective Inspector Chris Walker, of Dewsbury CID, said one group of youths, including some girls, had been sitting in the skateboard park area when another group arrived in a red car and an argument developed.

A fight broke out during which the 16-year-old schoolboy, from Heckmondwike, was clubbed. Four or five youths then got back in the small red hatchback and drove off.

The incident happened at about 7.15pm and police are anxious to trace the people involved and any witnesses. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with a better description of the red car which left the scene with the suspects, who were all white and aged between 16 and 19.

One was 6ft tall, aged 18 or 19, stocky and had a shaved head. A second youth was aged between 15 and 17, of medium build, with shoulder-length brown or blond hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dewsbury CID on (01924) 431059, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.