A CREWE teenager has been released on bail after being charged with the serious assault of a man in the West End on Friday night.

John George Sorton, aged 18, of no fixed abode, appeared before South Cheshire Magistrates Court on Monday charged with Section 18 wounding occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He was released on police bail to reside at Linden Bank Bail Hostel in Sandbach before appearing at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday.

Wearing a green t-shirt and light trousers, Mr Sorton spoke only to confirm his name, address and age.

The assault occurred at 8.45pm on Friday night in West Street and has left 37-year-old James Griffin in a critical condition in Leighton Hospital's intensive care unit.

A witness called the emergency services and he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after sustaining serious facial injuries in the incident.

As a result of police inquiries, four men and a woman were also arrested on suspicion of the incident but were later released.

Prosecuting Keith Jones said: "Police investigations are still at an early stage. All involved appear to be living in a particular house in West Street and it is not easy to get a coherent picture."

Representing Mr Sorton, Stuart Flood said: "I hope that it is recognised that it is far from a clear case and we are awaiting the results of forensic investigations."

Chairman of the Bench May McKenzie granted Mr Sorton bail on the conditions that he does not visit Crewe, has no contact with Mr Griffin, does not consume alcohol on or off the premises, does not break his curfew hours of 9am to 7pm, and obeys the hostel's rules and programmes.