A pensioner has been arrested after a mobility scooter driver was allegedly punched in the head.
Police received reports of a serious assault on Whiteleas Way roundabout in South Shields just before 3.30pm on Saturday.
It is believed an altercation took place between a man driving a Nissan Micra and another man, in his 60s, riding a mobility scooter.
The man in the Micra allegedly got out and punched the victim in the head and neck causing him to fall to the ground.
He sustained serious head injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Police arrested a man in his 70s on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
The force has appealed for anyone with with information on this incident to come forward, saying it is ‘keen to trace any witnesses who were in the area at the time’.
