A man was left unconscious and another injured in a Liverpool city centre attack.
The pair were sitting on a wall outside a nightclub on Eberle Street in the early hours of Sunday morning when they were involved in a verbal altercation.
A mixed group of people were involved in the 5.30am incident, with one man receiving minor injuries while the other was punched or pushed off the wall.
Detectives say that he then lost consciousness after hitting his head. He remains in hospital where his condition is currently described as a serious but stable.
His friend received only minor injuries and has been discharged from the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have information regarding the attack to come forward and help with the investigation.
CCTV is also being used in efforts to trace those involved in the unprovoked atttack.
Anyone with information or witnessed the attack on Sunday morning are advised to contact Central CID on 0151 777 4060 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.