Police have arrested eight people on suspicion of assisting a man wanted in connection with a serious assault in North Yorkshire.

Robert Henry Foster, 22, is wanted in connection with a serious assault on a 43-year-old man at Seamer Caravan Site, in the Stokesley area, at about 5pm on Friday.

The victim is his wife Natalie’s father, who underwent emergency surgery at James Cook University Hospital on Teesside, and is now in a serious, but stable condition.

Two men, aged 30 and 20, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with wounding with intent, and were due to appear before at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

Eight people have been arrested and are being questioned on suspicion of assisting Foster, including three women and two men from North Yorkshire, and three people in Middlesbrough.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerrin Smith, leading the police investigation, said: “We will leave no stone unturned and will follow every line of inquiry to secure the arrest.

“Robert, it is time to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police before we close in on you.” Anyone with information should phone police on 0845 6060247.