A pensioner is fighting for his life after being attacked in Huddersfield town centre last night.
The 69-year-old suffered serious head injuries during an assault near KFC on New Street at around 11.15pm. It is not believed any weapons were used.
Police have described it as a “violent incident” and urged witnesses or anyone with information to help their investigation.
Det Supt Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “As result of this incident we have a 69-year-old man fighting for his life in hospital this morning and I am appealing to anyone who was in central Huddersfield last night and may have seen this assault or the circumstances leading to it to come forward and speak to officers.
“This was a violent incident that has left a pensioner with life-threatening injuries and information from witnesses could be absolutely vital to this investigation.
“Two local men aged 23 and 30 have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault with intent and remain in police custody this morning.
“A full forensic examination of the scene has been carried out and investigations are ongoing.”
Security company manager Allen Shaw, 44, described how he saw a “significant” pool of blood on the pavement outside KFC at 6am.
Mr Shaw, who was taking wife Alison to work, said: “At the time I was driving past the police were just removing the outer cordon and it looked like New Street had been closed.
“An inner cordon around KFC was still in place and it looked to me like whatever happened took place in the doorway of KFC.
“There was quite a significant amount of blood – enough for me to see from the car as I drove past – and a mini roadsweeper was standing by to clean it up.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting crime reference 13150191223.
Information can also be given through the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .
