Police arrest man over serious assault after 55-year-old left fighting for his life in Carlisle

Officers have arrested a man, aged in his twenties, from Carlisle, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He remains in custody tonight.

It happened just off Botchergate in the early hours of this morning.

Police are trying to piece together exactly what happened to the 55-year-old man, who is currently being treated in hospital in Newcastle.

Officers were called to Robert Street, off Crown Street and Botchergate, by the North West Ambulance Service at 4.54am.

The 55-year-old man, from Carlisle, had suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital.

He is currently at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, and remains in a critical condition.

The injured man is described as 5ft 9ins tall and of very stocky build.

He was wearing a pale blue short-sleeved patterned shirt with a dark body warmer on top, dark blue jeans and Chelsea boots.

Police are investigating the circumstances behind the injury.

A police spokesman said: “If anyone was in the area of Robert Street, James Street and Crown Street, between 4am and 5am, they are asked to think back and see if they remember anything that might help our investigation.

“Please contact us if you have any information that might assist the inquiry.”

Officers were keen to speak to a man who was with the injured man at the scene at the time.

He is described as white, in his early twenties and short in height, with short hair.

He was wearing a grey tracksuit top, jeans or tracksuit bottoms and black and white trainers.

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Harkins said: “We would ask this man to come forward to help us establish the circumstances.

“If you are that man or you know who it might be, please contact us.

“If you were in the area of Robert Street, James Street or Crown Street between 4am and 5am, did you see these two males together?"

If you have any information or saw either of the two men, call police on 101, referring to log 51 of June 8.