A man is still fighting for life after being attacked in Oxford city centre, prompting police to renew an appeal for witnesses.

Kenneth Steadman, 26, who suffered head injuries in the attack in Cromwell Street last Tuesday, is unconscious and on a life-support machine at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Police are still trying to trace a young couple who found Mr Steadman, originally from South Shields, lying in a pool of blood in Cromwell Street. The couple knocked on the window of the nearby Luther Street Nightshelter, where Mr Steadman was staying, to raise the alarm. The victim was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries and has not regained consciousness.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and has been remanded in custody.

Det Insp Melvyn Young, of Oxford police, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We would urgently like to hear from this couple, or anyone who witnessed a fight in the Cromwell Street area last Tuesday night. "We would also like to hear from anyone who can remember seeing Mr Steadman, who we believe had been drinking in city centre pubs.

"He was wearing a cream or grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, grey Ellesse trainers and blue gloves."

Anyone with information is asked to call Oxford police on 01865 266333 or Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111.

Story date: Wednesday 03 November

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