DETECTIVES investigating an attempted murder have appealed to anyone who may have seen a missing car on the night of the assault.

The yellow Ford Fiesta, registration NX13HBK, was recovered by police on Monday in a car park to the rear of The Esplanade in Whitby.

Cleveland Police said it went missing on the night of Saturday, October 25, following an incident in Brookside in Boosbeck, near Redcar, in which a 66-year-old man was found with serious head injuries.

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: "We would appeal for anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area of The Esplanade or the wider Whitby area since the incident happened to contact us."

The victim is still receiving treatment at James Cook University Hospital and is described as being in a poorly but stable condition.

Two local men aged 37 and 40 have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should phone Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.