The 26-year-old, who is originally from Doncaster but had moved to Harborough about three weeks ago for a new job, was assaulted outside Trident Fish Bar last Saturday (July 19) at about 11.15pm.

Doctors had to perform surgery on him last Sunday (July 20) after he suffered bleeding on the brain.

Detective Sergeant Dan Granger told the Mail this morning that the man was still in a critical but stable condition at the specialist head injury unit at John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford.

Officers were called to the scene at just after 11.15pm last Saturday (July 19).

A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with the assault but has been released on police bail.

Detective Sergeant Granger said about'half a dozen' witnesses had already come forward.

He said: "We are appealing to anyone who witnessed this assault, and who has not yet spoken to police, to please come forward.

"The incident happened outside the Trident chip shop on the High Street at a time when many pubs would have been closing for the night.

"Were you in the area of the fish and chip shop on High Street at that time on Saturday evening? Perhaps you were on your way home and remember seeing an altercation between two men? If you recall anything that might help this investigation, then please get in touch with police immediately."

Witnesses are being urged to call the police on 0116 2222222.
Forensic officers were working behind a police cordon in the town centre on Sunday morning (July 20).

Blue and white police tape was placed around the Trident chip shop and near to the Fruitas grocers in High Street.

The cordon also extended part way down the alleyway running between High Street and Church Street.

*Did you witness what happened or know anything about the incident?
Phone the Mail's news editor Alex Blackwell on 01858 436004 or email alex.blackwell@harboroughmail.co.uk