AN arrest has been made after an alleged assault outside a bar that left a man in his 20s with life-threatening injuries.

Police were called to an incident outside Avalon in Blackwellgate, Darlington, just before 1am on Tuesday.

Officers placed a cordon around the area.

Reports suggest a man was punched to the floor and knocked unconscious.

The victim was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital before being transferred to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough with what police say are life-threatening injuries.

A 21-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault by causing actual bodily harm, he remains in custody.

Two officers remained at the scene on Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson from Avalon said: “Ultimately at this stage we would like to respect the gentleman involved and also the police who are carrying out their enquiries.

“The incident did not happen inside or on the doorstep of Avalon. It happened a good ten metres away from the bar.

“We believe a man hit another reveller last night and at some point, someone was knocked unconscious.

“Members of our senior management are liaising with police.”