A ‘SAVAGE’ attack that left a 22-year-old man in a coma is being treated as attempted murder.

Ryan Livesey was found unconscious in a car park off Paradise Lane, Blackburn, by passers-by.

Detective Superintendent Neil Esseen said Mr Livesey suffered serious head injuries in the attack.

Yesterday, he remained critically ill but stable at Royal Preston Hospital with his family at his bedside.

Det Supt Esseen said: “We believe he was assaulted by being kicked to the head and upper body in an extremely violent fashion.

“There is still a significant chance Ryan will pass away. We are treating it as an attempted murder due to the sheer brutality of the assault.

“Ryan was savagely assaulted and it is important to build up a picture of what happened to him.”

Ryan was found just after 11pm on Friday and police are trying to piece together his movements before then.

Det Supt Esseen said: “What we desperately need to know is who Ryan was with between 5pm and 11pm.

“We know he didn't have any money on him, so he hasn't been drinking in pubs and bars.

“He would have been with somebody, possibly back at a flat or inside somewhere.”

Mr Livesey, who has been living at a hostel in Shadsworth and various bed and breakfasts in Blackburn, was last seen at 5pm outside King George's Hall.

Mr Esseen said police had traced CCTV near the car park which showed Mr Livesey, and a person officers believe may have been his attacker, arriving at the scene, but only one person leaving.

He said: “We are obviously keen to trace this man and believe it is highly likely that he is known to Ryan.

“I would appeal to that person to come forward now and explain to us exactly what has gone on.

“We don't know the motivation behind this attack, we don't know what led up to it.

“It was a violent attack but there may be a reason for it and if you are that person please come forward.

“It is only a matter of time before we find out who you are and it would be better for you to come forward now.”

The detective said Mr Livesey's friends and associates may also know the man, and could have vital information for the police.

Meanwhile councillors said Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council would be looking closely at the attack to see if more could be done to prevent such crimes in the town centre.

Councillor Maureen Bateson said: “I'm extremely upset about hearing about the injuries to Mr Livesey because obviously he is in a very serious condition.

“Certainly I know the council and the police take a zero tolerance attitude to any sort of violence, particularly a nasty attack like this, and I'm sure if it relates to any other specific issue we will want to look at it.

“We have already looked at excessive alcohol drinking, but there may be other factors that we don't yet know about in this case.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Lancashire Police on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.