Seven men have been arrested by police in Liverpool investigating an attack on a man from Northern Ireland.
The 24-year-old victim remains critically ill in hospital following the assault in the early hours of Saturday.
Merseyside Police said they were called to Bold Street, in Liverpool city centre, shortly after 1am after the victim was found unconscious near Liverpool Central station.
Officers administered first aid at the scene until paramedics arrived.
The victim was then taken to hospital where he is being treated for serious head injuries.
“His condition remains critical but stable,” a Merseyside Police spokesman said.
It is believed the victim was walking along Bold Street towards Hanover Street with three friends when they were assaulted.
On Sunday, Merseyside Police said detectives had arrested seven men in connection with the attack.
A 40-year-old man from Pontypridd in Wales was arrested on suspicion of assault and possession with intent to supply class-A drugs.
Six other men from south Wales, aged between 33 and 41, were also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class-A drugs, in relation to suspected cocaine found in a hotel room..
Det Chief Insp Paul Parry made a further appeal for information and for taxi drivers who may have dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
“Although several arrests have been made, our investigation continues and we’d still like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any CCTV, dashcam or other information,” he said.