A MAN in his thirties was fighting for his life in hospital yesterday following a reported assault outside a Co Antrim pub.
Detective Inspector Michael Hawthorne said police were alerted by 1.10am on Sunday morning that a man was lying unconscious with a head injury outside the premises on Main Street in Portglenone.
"The man, aged in his thirties, was taken to hospital for his injuries and remains in a critical condition,” he said.
"A 41-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody assisting officers with their enquiries. I would appeal to anyone who was on Main Street prior to, or around the time the report was made to us, or anyone who was driving and may have captured what occurred on their dashcam, to get in touch with us.”
A Northern Ireland Ambulance spokesperson said one ambulance had been dispatched to the incident and the patient was taken to Antrim Area Hospital.
Sinn Féin councillor Ian Friary told The Irish News he understood the injured man was from Portglenone, and that residents were deeply concerned.
“On Sunday he was in good health and I all I can tell you today is that people are in shock,” he said.
“For anyone that came into the bar on Sunday, it was all they were talking about as everyone is just in shock over it.”
Any witnesses have been asked to call detectives on 101, quoting reference 242 for October 30. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.