WOMAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING ALLEGED ASSAULT IN EAST MAITLAND

A woman is in a critical condition and a man charged following an alleged assault in East Maitland overnight.

A 37-year-old woman was allegedly knocked on the ground by a man during an argument in the car park of a shopping centre in Molly Morgan Drive just before midnight.

The woman is being treated in John Hunter Hospital for severe head injuries.

A 30-year-old man has been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and will face court tomorrow.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact police.