A MAN is in hospital in a critical but stable condition following a serious assault in Newton-le-Willows.

Emergency services were called to Curzon Place, King Street to reports of a man in his 50s who had suffered injuries to his chest, in an apparent assault.

He was taken to hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, including forensics, CCTV and witnesses.

Detectives in Newton-le-Willows are issuing CCTV images of men who may have information following a serious assault at around 5.15pm, on Wednesday, December 11.

Detective Inspector Paul McVeigh said: "This serious assault has left a man in a critical condition in hospital and we are still working to piece together exactly what happened on Wednesday.

"We think these two men pictured may hold information which could be key so I'd ask them, or anyone who knows who they are, to make themselves known to police as soon as possible.

"We think the incident took place inside flats at the location. If you live locally or were in the area of the flats and saw anything or have heard anything since, please come forward and we will take positive action to find those responsible and put them before the courts."

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives via @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, with reference 0071 of December 11.