A MAN suffered serious head injuries in a horrific attack in the early hours of the morning.

The 33-year-old was found collapsed on Entwistle Street near to the junction of Starkie Road in Tonge Moor at 4am on Saturday.

It is not known why he was attacked but Greater Manchester Police received reports that a number of men were seen fleeing the scene.

UPDATE: Tonge Moor mystery: Where was man for three hours before he was found with serious head injuries?

A member of the public reported the incident to police and paramedics were called to the scene. The man was rushed to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

The man's identity has not been confirmed but he is understood to live on the street.

Detective Sergeant Iqbal Ahmed, from Scholey Street police station, said a full investigation had been launched into the attack. DS Ahmed said: “We are providing support to this man’s family and a full investigation has been launched to find out what exactly happened here that has led to him lying seriously injured in hospital.

“We believe the man was assaulted and are investigating reports that a number of people were seen running away from the scene in the direction of Ainsworth Lane shortly after the man had been injured."

People living on Starkie Road have been left shocked and upset by the incident. Jean Barkess said: "The police came around on Saturday morning and told us what had happened. It was a bit of a shock - this is a bit of a quiet street and nothing like this has happened before. It sounds like a serious incident and I hope he pulls through."

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said he too had been left upset by the incident. He said: "I heard there had been an assault on Saturday morning. We didn't see or hear anything because we were in bed at the time of the assault. I have lived here for ten years and nothing like this has ever happened before. It's a quiet street and we don't expect this sort of thing to be happening."

DS Ahmed said police were appealing for any information about the incident. He said: “If you saw or heard anything around this time and you think it may be linked to this case, please get in touch so we can find the people responsible for this attack and take them off our streets.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Bolton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team at Scholey Street police station on 0161 856 5761 or alternatively, please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.