Man fighting for life after bus argument

A MAN was fighting for his life in hospital today after an argument on a bus. The 60-year-old was travelling with his 41-year-old partner on the number 243 hopper bus from Hartlepool to Horden in County Durham at 10pm on Saturday when he became embroiled in a row with two men and a woman who were sitting at the back. Prompted by the disagreement to disembark earlier than they intended, the couple walked to the front of the bus. As they stood at the doors, the two men at the back ran forward. Seconds later the victim was unconscious on the pavement, having suffered a serious head injury. He was taken by ambulance to Sunderland Royal Hospital then transferred to Newcastle General Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. A Cleveland Police spokesman appealed for witnesses. He said: "It is unclear how the victim... [read full story]