A MAN, aged 56, was in a serious condition in hospital today after being beaten unconscious by two men in Horwich last night.

The man was confronted by two men in Mason Street who punched him and kicked him repeatedly as he lay on the floor.

He received head injuries in the attack, at around 7.30pm, and was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he was described as serious but stable earlier today.

He was expected to be transferred to Hope Hospital, in Salford, this afternoon.

A man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

Sgt Jim Winwood, of Astley Bridge Police, said detectives are hunting a second man in connection with the attack.