DETECTIVES were today continuing to investigate a motiveless attack on a man left for dead in a Burnley street.

Damien Philip Smyth, 29, was found unconscious by a passer-by in Albert Street, near the junction with Ridge Road, shortly after 3am on Saturday.

A man and a woman were arrested by police in connection with the incident and have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Smyth, who lives outside the town, was taken to Burnley General Hospital suffering from serious head injuries.

He has been transferred to Hope Hospital, Salford, which specialises in the treatment of serious head injuries.

His condition was today described as critical but stable.

Police have refused to divulge the exact nature of his injuries or how he came by them.

They are waiting to interview Mr Smyth but he is currently too poorly.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to friends or work colleagues of Mr Smyth to try to trace his movements in the hours before the assault. Anyone with information should call Burnley police on 01282 425001.