A MAN is seriously ill in hospital after he was found collapsed and unconscious in a Bolton park.

The man, who is thought to be aged between 45 and 50, was found with a serious head injury on a pathway in the park at the junction of Bradford Street and Bromwich Street, The Haulgh, at about 9.45pm on Saturday.

Police are now investigating how the man came by his injuries and are appealing for any witnesses who may be able to help trace his movements to contact them.

The man is white man, aged 45 to 50, slim and with greyish hair. He was wearing cream jeans, a green jacket, purple shoes and a blue and pink patterned jumper.

The man was taken to hospital, and police said he is still in "a poorly condition". 

Det Insp Gary Smith said: “We have a number of detectives investigating this incident who are working to establish what has happened to this man.

“We are keeping an open mind and are appealing to anyone who saw him last night to get in contact.

“Were you in or around the park last night and saw a man matching this description, did you see him talk to anyone or did you witness how he came to suffer his injuries?

“I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can contact Bolton CID on 0161 8565740 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.