The family of a 74-year-old who was left lying on the floor for up to seven hours with head and face injuries after a suspected assault have appealed for witnesses.

East Anglian Daily Times: The victim had been in the Royal George pub prior to the suspected assault Picture: GOOGLEThe victim had been in the Royal George pub prior to the suspected assault Picture: GOOGLE (Image: Google)

The victim had left the Royal George pub in Ipswich sometime between 11.30pm on Thursday, July 19, and 12.20am the following morning.

He walked along Colchester Road towards Sidegate Lane and onto Valley Road.

He was last seen outside Co-Op in Sidegate Lane at around midnight.

The following morning at 7.15am, he was found by passers-by on the floor close to his home at Valley Road.

He had been injuries to his face and head and was taken to Ipswich hospital for treatment where he remains.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the man prior to his discovery to get in touch.

He is white, of medium build, around 5ft 9ins tall with grey hair and a grey goatie beard.

He was wearing jeans, a purple top, brown tan boots and a light grey zip hooded top.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester Road, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDColchester Road, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

“Inquiries are ongoing to investigate the circumstances prior to his discovery,” a police spokesman said,

“Officers are looking for any witnesses that may have seen the male walking towards Valley Road or anyone with a dashcam who drove down Colchester Road towards Valley Road at the relevant time.”

Gloria Forwood, 78, retired, of Valley Road: “I’m shocked. vI can believe that no one ever saw him because no one comes this way at night.”

“As an older person I wouldn’t like to go out that late because you feel more vulnerable, and I certainly wouldn’t go into town at that time.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester Road, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDColchester Road, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has knowledge of it should contact Ipswich CID on 101 quoting crime reference 37/41910/18.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDSidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDThe Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Valley Road, Ipswich. A 74-year-old man was the victim of a suspected assault near his home on Thursday, July 19. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDValley Road, Ipswich. A 74-year-old man was the victim of a suspected assault near his home on Thursday, July 19. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Co-operative, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDThe Co-operative, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane West, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDThe Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDThe Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORDThe Royal George pub, on the corner of Colchester Road and Sidegate Lane, Ipswich. Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)