A MAN is fighting for his life in hospital after suffering serious head injuries outside a busy bar in Sheffield city centre.
The 44-year-old is in a ‘critical’ condition following the incident outside Lloyd’s No. 1 in Division Street in the early hours of yesterday.
Revellers on the street raised the alarm at around 12.30am, and police and paramedics were called.
Drinkers watched in shock as the man was given emergency first aid before being rushed to the Northern General Hospital, and later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire, where he remains.
Detectives from South Yorkshire Police launched a probe into the incident, which they described as an ‘altercation’.
One officer at the scene said he believed it had involved two people, but a force spokeswoman said the investigation was in its early stages.
Hundreds of people who flocked to Sheffield City Hall for yesterday’s Remembrance Day service found an area close to the Barker’s Pool war memorial cordoned off. A forensic tent had been erected outside the bar, and police tape was wrapped around the post box painted gold to mark Jessica Ennis’ victory at the Olympic Games.
Grandmother Elaine Barber, from Crosspool, who was in the city centre for Remembrance Sunday, said: “You don’t expect to see men in white suits when you come here for the two-minute silence.”
Lloyd’s No. 1 remained closed yesterday while forensic officers examined the scene.
Bar manager Ryan Perry said: “I wasn’t working when the incident took place, but obviously other members of staff were and we are doing everything we can to help police with their investigation.
“We closed just after it happened and we are following the police’s advice.”
A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Police said: “Police are still looking into what happened. There have been no arrests so it is not straightforward. At this time there is no suggestion a weapon was used.”
Officers are appealing for anyone who was outside Lloyds or nearby pubs, or for anyone with information, to call South Yorkshire Police on 101, or text 07786 220 022, quoting incident 67 of November 11.