AN ORFORD man who suffered life-threatening injuries after a brutal beating in the town centre is recovering in hospital.

Police are examining CCTV footage to identify the attacker who left the 24-year-old man lying unconscious on Sankey Street after the attack at around 2.30am on June 1.

The man was taken to Warrington Hospital but his condition worsened and he was transferred to Walton Hospital for emergency surgery.

As the Midweek went to press, his condition was improving and he had been taken off the hospital's critical list.

The attack happened outside Specsavers optician's when he was repeatedly kicked in the head and body as he lay on the ground.

The attacker then fled towards Legh Street, leaving the victim unconscious on the footpath with severe bruising to his face, eyes, shoulder and lower back.

Detectives have set up an incident room at Warrington police station and are urging the attacker to give himself up.

The attacker was white man, aged between 18 and 30, 5ft 10in tall, of medium build, and was wearing a black coloured vest with large armholes.

Anyone with information should contact DS Dave Jones at Warrington CID on 01244 613834 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.