THE victim of an attack is fighting for his life after a man hit him with a metal bar.

The 47-year-old victim, from Tyldesley, was hit over the head after he had been seen tampering with a car door at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

He was hit as he walked along Henry Street.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and was being questioned by police yesterday.

A man and a woman held on suspicion of assisting an offender are also being questioned.

Police said the victim, who has not been named, was drunk at the time.

The man was spotted by a passer-by who helped him walk home.

As they walked past a Vauxhall Astra in Henry Street, the victim approached the car and tried to tamper with the door.

Police said a couple emerged from a nearby house and argued with him.

The passer-by called police but another man arrived and hit him over the head twice.

The man was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where he is in a serious condition.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wigan CID on 0161 856 7252 or Crimsetoppers on 0800 555 111.