A MAN is seriously ill in hospital after being attacked by a group of men.

The man, from Colchester and in his 30s, was found unconscious near the Dirty Penguin, in St John's Street, Colchester, just before 2.50am.

Door staff rushed to his aid and called the emergency services.

The man was taken to Colchester General Hospital but has been transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital with serious head injuries.

He is in a serious condition.

Essex Police believe he may have been assaulted by a gang of men and are reviewing CCTV images.

St John's Street was cordoned off while forensic investigations were carried out. The cordon was lifted at around 10.30am.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.