A WOMAN is in a critical condition after fracturing her skull in a suspected assault.

The 29-year-old victim was with friends at Stevenage Bus Station in Stevenage town centre at around 7pm on Friday when it is alleged she received a blow to the head.

The woman, from Stevenage, fell to the floor where it is believed she was then assaulted again by the offender or offenders, near to the JD Wetherspoon pub The Standard Bearer.

She was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where she remains in a critical but stable condition.

Detective constable Emma Landucci, from the Local Crime Unit in Stevenage, said: “I believe there were a number of people in the area at the time who may have seen the incident but have not yet spoken to police.

“If you were there and saw anything at all or you know anything about this incident, please get in touch with me as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Dale Teer, 35, of Winifred Road, Bedford, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and remanded in custody to appear at Hatfield Remand Court this morning (Tuesday).

• A 32-year-old man from Stevenage has also been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and has been released on police bail until July 28 while investigations continue.