POLICE are appealing for anyone in the area of a snooker club close to where a man was seriously assaulted to come forward with information.

POLICE are appealing for anyone in the area of a snooker club close to where a man was seriously assaulted to come forward with information.

The 47-year-old victim was discovered unconscious in the Cattlemarket car park, near Portman Road, Ipswich, at 4am on Saturday.

He was taken to Ipswich Hospital with a head injury and later transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Riley's snooker club in Princess Street, the alleyway leading from the Drum and Monkey to the Cattlemarket car park or the car park itself between 2.45am and 3.15am on Saturday to contact them.

They are also keen to locate a rucksack which the victim was carrying prior to his assault. This is described as black with a red and white striped motif.

The public are asked to look in their gardens and bins to remain alert when out walking as it is likely to have been dumped.

Detective Chief Inspector David Cutler, who is leading this investigation, said: “It is essential that anyone who was in the area described at the relevant time comes forward without delay.

“They may hold vital information, which could assist with this enquiry.

“If anyone finds a rucksack, I ask that they handle it carefully so as not to destroy any potential forensic evidence and contact the police immediately so it can be collected and examined.”

An 18-year-old male and a 22-year-old male, both from Ipswich, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Sunday.

A 16-year-old Ipswich male was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Monday. ]

They have all been bailed to return to Ipswich Police Station on Friday, March 14 pending further enquiries.

Anyone who may have any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.