A man in his 70s has been arrested after a mobility scooter driver was allegedly punched in the head, leaving him critically ill in hospital, police have said.

Northumbria Police said officers were called to Whiteleas Way roundabout in South Shields at about 15:30 BST on Saturday following reports of a serious assault.

It was reported that an altercation had taken place between a man in a Nissan Micra and the mobility scooter driver.

The man in the car allegedly got out and punched the mobility scooter driver – a man in his 60s – in the head and neck, causing him to fall to the ground.

Emergency services took the man, who suffered serious head injuries, to hospital.

The other man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, police said.

He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Northumbria Police has appealed for any witnesses to come forward.