Irishman assaulted in UK

Police in Liverpool are investigating after an Irishman was left in a critical condition following an assault outside a nightclub in the city.

Two 19-year-old men have already been arrested as part of the probe into the vicious attack which left a 24-year-old Irish man fighting for his life.

Police on Merseyside have also appealed for witnesses to come forward following the attack in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to a Police statement, the emergency services were called at about 2.20am to the vicinity of Concert Square following a report that a man had been assaulted.

"Paramedics and police attended and found a 24-year-old man with a head injury in the alleyway between Fleet Street and Seel Street near to The Walkabout bar and the night club Level," Merseyside Police said.

"The man, who is from Ireland, was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains in a critical condition. A search of the area was conducted which proved negative.

"It is believed the man was assaulted following an altercation with two other men in the vicinity."

The area was then cordoned off for examination, while yesterday CCTV from the area was being examined as police enquiries continued.

Yesterday afternoon two men, both aged 19, presented themselves at a police station and were subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault. They were still in custody last night.

It is understood a number of people have already contacted local police in relation to the incident.

Speaking about the incident, Det Insp Matthew Kerr of Merseyside Police said: "This was a nasty attack on a man who had been enjoying a night out. He sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack and is currently in a critical condition in hospital.

"We are absolutely determined to find the people responsible but we need the public's help in piecing together what happened before and after the altercation.

“We would urge the two men involved in the altercation to get in touch to help us with our investigation. Having viewed CCTV from the area we would also urge three women who were in the vicinity of the alleyway at this time to also get in touch as we believe they will have information vital to our investigation.

“Concert Square was particularly busy at that time this morning and I would also appeal to anyone who was out and about at this time and think they saw anything to contact us with that information.

“I'd also like to reassure people that incidents like this are rare and neighbourhood officers will be increasing patrols in the area.”

Police said they had little detail regarding the identity of the victim in the assault and were making efforts to contact the man's family. The Department of Foreign Affairs said there had been no request for consular assistance.