Man Critical After Assault

8 January 2013, 16:32 | Updated: 9 January 2013, 11:31

Police are appealing for information and witnesses after a man was punched in the head in Hitchin town centre, leaving him with life threatening injuries.

The assault happened in the High Street at around 2.20am on Sunday 6 January 2013.

The victim, a 27 year old man from Letchworth, was walking alone in the area when it is believed he was called names and then punched in the head, causing him to fall to the floor.

The man has since developed a bleed in his head which is requiring specialist care at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.

Detective Inspector Fraser Wylie from the Local Crime Unit in Hitchin is investigating and said: “The victim has taken a turn for the worse since the assault took place, causing him to be rushed to hospital to receive an emergency operation and specialist care.

"His condition is currently critical but stable.The incident happened close to Nero coffee shop and Barclays Bank, and we believe there were a number of people who were in the area when it happened.

"We believe the offender was part of a large group of young men and women.  It was also close to the taxi rank where there were a number of taxis parked up and we are conducting enquiries with local taxi companies, however if you were in the area and saw what happened I’d urge you to call me as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Local Crime Unit in Hitchin via the Hertfordshire Police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number G1/13/51.