A man was kicked in the head in an early-morning Liverpool city centre attack.
Emergency services were called to Ranelagh Street at around 4am on Saturday following reports that a 41-year-old man had been kicked to the head.
The victim had been involved in an argument with a group of men before the offenders followed him to a taxi.
He was then assaulted in the taxi before the offenders left the scene on foot. Some of the offenders ran in the direction of Liverpool Central train station.
The victim sustained a serious head injury and has been taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious.
An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.
Detectives are examining CCTV footage to establish what happened and identify any offenders and forensic examination of the street and the taxi is taking place.
Anyone with any information that may help the investigation is urged to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 4065, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.