A Carlisle teenager critically injured in an alleged assault is now in a stable condition.

Police launched an investigation last Wednesday when the 18-year-old was punched near to the Co-op store in Central Avenue, Harraby, at around 7.15pm.

A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of intentionally wounding the teenager has been released on bail as police continue their investigation.

The older teenager was taken for emergency treatment to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle.

Initially, police said his condition was critical.

Officers issued an urgent appeal for witnesses to come forward.

“No matter how insignificant you may deem your information, we would like to hear from you,” said a spokesman for Cumbria Police.

Officers said that they particularly wanted to hear from the owner and occupants of a blue Ford Fiesta car, seen in the area at the time of the

assault.

Anybody who can help the investigation should call police on 101.