Eight people are held as woman fights for her life

EIGHT people have been arrested in connection with an attempted murder investigation in Newcastle as a woman fights for her life in hospital.

- By OWEN YOUNGER

A police forensics officer outside a property in Elswick

Emergency services were called to reports of concern for a woman and a man at an address on Durham Street in the Elswick area of the city at around 6.45pm on Friday.

It's understood they had both been victims of a serious attack inside the property.

A woman in her 60s sustained a serious head injury and remains in a critical condition in hospital. The man, also in his 60s, suffered serious injuries and is in a stable condition.

Their next of kin has been informed.

A cordon has been in place since Friday, with a large police presence remaining in the area. Forensic officers were scouring the property yesterday and were spotted putting items in evidence bags.