A VICIOUS and unprovoked attack on a Nantwich man at the weekend has sparked an investigation by British Transport Police in Crewe.

The 25-year-old man from the Nantwich area suffered serious head injuries in the attack at around 2.40am in the early hours of Saturday on the forecourt of Crewe Railway Station.

The man was with two friends at the time and had been enjoying a sociable night out in Crewe before arriving at the station.

The three friends were then confronted by the assailant, who was also stood with two other people on the forecourt.

The attacker assaulted all three of the friends, punching the 25-year-old to the head causing serious injuries.

Following the assaults, the assailant and his group made off along Nantwich Road going in the direction of the Crewe Arms Hotel.

The victim is currently receiving treatment in the North Staffordshire Hospital, where his condition is described as serious but not life threatening.

DCI Malcolm Mckinnon said: "This man has suffered serious head injuries as a result of this unprovoked assault and we are determined to identify the assailant."

A spokesman for Mersey Regional Ambulance Service said the victim was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was initially taken to Crewe's Leighton Hospital.

She added: "He had a lump to the back of his head and his condition was considered to be serious or life threatening."

The forecourt of the station has a taxi rank that operates around the clock and BTP inspectors are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Anyone who can help should call 0800 405040 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.