AN ATTACK victim was left fighting for life after he was set on by a gang in Huddersfield.

The 29-year-old was in a critical condition in hospital yesterday after the incident in Birkby.

He was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary with serious head injuries after a gang of up to 10 people attacked him in the yard of the Deluxe Beds factory, at the junction of Blacker Road and Kingcliffe Road, at about 8.30pm on Tuesday.

Three youths, aged 15, 16 and 17, and a 30-year-old man were arrested and were being questioned by detectives yesterday.

As the victim, who is of Polish origin but living locally, went into surgery yesterday, the motive for the attack remained unclear.

Business people and residents in the busy shopping area said they had not seen what had happened.

Forensic tents were erected in the bed factory yard and a van that had been parked there was taken away by police for forensic examination.

It is believed the vehicle was not in any way connected to the incident but may help in the search for clues.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Steve Payne said: "We are appealing for anyone in the locality who may have seen the man being assaulted, whether they were on foot or driving by in their cars, to come forward. "We are waiting to find out if a weapon was involved and are carrying out detailed forensic examinations and will be looking at CCTV."

Local Clr Mehboob Khan, whose Greenhead ward includes Birkby, added: "This is a terrible incident and we have to hope that the person who is injured makes a good recovery and his condition stabilises.

"Blacker Road is a busy shopping area and there would have been a lot of people about at the time.

"If anyone has information that may be of assistance, even if they think it is insignificant, they must contact the police."

Anyone with information should contact Huddersfield police via 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.