A 65-YEAR-OLD man is unconscious in hospital after hitting his head on the floor following an unprovoked attack.

Detectives say the man was walking with his friend along Ward Street in St Helens at around 7pm on Friday evening when he was approached by two young men.

One of them asked him for a cigarette.

When the victim told them they both do not smoke, one punched him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground and bang his head.

They then ran off along Ward Street while the victim's friend called for an ambulance.

The 65-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital and has been transferred to Walton Neurological Centre in Liverpool where he remains unconscious but in a stable condition.

Merseyside Police, who have confirmed two arrests have been made in connection with the assault, have appealed for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Cath Haggerty said: “This was a completely unprovoked assault by two youths on a much older man who was simply out and about with his friend.

"We believe the punch has knocked him to the floor where he has hit his head and suffered a really serious injury.

"I am sure people living in the area will be disgusted by this incident so I would appeal for them to help us bring the offender or offenders to justice.

"It was a wet evening but plenty of people will still have been out walking or driving past at the time."

Pollice are appealing for anyone who saw a young man, described as aged late-teens or early-twenties, white, slim, and around 5ft 8ins tall and was wearing a dark-coloured baseball cap and an all-grey tracksuit.

They are also appealing for anyone who saw a second man who was a similar age and around 5ft 8ins tall but of medium build.

He was wearing a blue coat with a hood, dark-coloured jogging bottoms and had long dark hair.

Detective Inspector Haggerty added: "If you remember seeing two young men acting suspiciously before the attack at 6.50pm or running away afterwards, then please call us on 0151 777 6064 or leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

  • Two teenagers, aged 15 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of assault and are being questioned by police.