Lee Crane was found lying in Entwistle Street, Tonge Moor, 3 hours after leaving Bamboogie bar, Bradshawgate, Bolton

Victim Lee Crane was found at just after 4am on Saturday lying in the road in Entwistle Street outside the end-of-terrace bungalow it is understood he shares with his mother.

He was discovered unconscious at the junction with Starkie Road by a passer-by and was taken to hospital by paramedics where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

GMP's Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden, of Bolton division, said: "We are providing support to this Lee’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.

"Lee’s family are extremely distressed about what happened we have released this photo of Lee in the hope that it will jog someone’s memory that may have seen him before the assault.

"Lee was wearing a navy blue Ralph Lauren jacket, a grey T-shirt, dark denim jeans and blue Adidas trainers that night.

"He was carrying a white Samsung Galaxy Ace mobile phone which is now missing.

"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."

Detectives have established that Mr Crane went into Bolton town centre around 7pm on Friday, April 1, and was last seen around 1am on Saturday leaving Bamboogie bar in Bradshawgate in Bolton town centre.

Officers are working to establish Mr Crane's movements between 1am and when he was found unconscious at 4am and are appealing for the public’s help.

Anyone with information should contact Bolton's South and Central Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 5761 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.