A FULL-TIME carer is in a critical condition in hospital following a brutal attack in Dedham.

Alan Walsh, 65, was airlifted to the major trauma unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, with serious head injuries.

It is alleged a dispute with a neighbour turned violent, leaving Mr Walsh in a coma and fighting for his life.

Police, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to Parson’s Field shortly before 4pm on Sunday.

Ian Lovelock was the first on the scene.

He said: “I asked a neighbour to call an ambulance and went over.

“He was not conscious and did not regain consciousness.

“I put him in the recovery position.

He was choking on his tongue.

“Alan is a full time carer and is well known and well loved.”

Mr Walsh cares for his uncle David and lives close to many of his family in the village including his two cousins.

One, who asked not to be named, said: “I came home and saw he was being treated. It was very upsetting.

“He had an operation and they took part of his skull away to let the pressure out.”

Another added: “It is very shocking and very sad. You don’t expect this so close to home.

Maybe in Ipswich or Colchester but not Dedham.”

Neighbour and friend Garth Greiner feared the worst when he saw Mr Walsh collapsed by the communal garages by the side of the flats where they live.

He said: “I was told it would be a miracle if he made it through the night.

“He has had an operation to remove bone fragments.

“The first I knew was when I saw someone hurry across the road and I thought something had happened.

“He was unconscious with a huge lump on the side of his head.

“People were trying to help and then the ambulance, police and air ambulance came.

“I am very disturbed by this.

This should not happen.

“I have known him for a long time.”

Jason Fines, 47, of Parson’s Field, Dedham, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

He has appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court and been remanded into custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court in September.

No plea has been entered.

Mr Walsh’s condition is described as critical, but stable.