MYSTERY surrounds a vicious attack near a public house which left a man with serious head injuries.

The 37-year-old victim was attacked outside The Albion in South Willesborough, Ashford.

Detectives have been at the man’s hospital bedside waiting to ask him exactly what happened.

Ashford’s top detective says the investigation is being hampered because they have not yet been able to speak fully to the man.

Det Ch Insp Paul Fotheringham stressed: "Because of his injuries he has been in a great deal of pain and under sedation, but he is now out of intensive care, which is good news.

“Regulars at the Albion were locked in the pub and questioned by police soon after the victim was found bleeding in the street at 8.20pm on Friday, December 2 but it is not thought that the man is well known in the bar.

His injuries, police say, are consistent with a beating and it is not thought any weapons were involved.

The victim was taken to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital but later transferred to a specialist neurological unit in London.

Police arrested two people at the scene – a 24-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman – who were released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detectives want to talk to anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the assault.

Mr Fotheringham added: “We have still not found anyone who actually saw the attack taking place and until we speak to the victim we will be none the wiser.”

* Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Sgt Mark Buck on Ashford 01233 896282.