COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Twelve people have been arrested and an attempted murder investigation is under way after a man sustained serious head injuries in Warwickshire.

Police said they were called to an address in Ascote Way, Southam in the early hours of Saturday, where they found a 42-year-old with head injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment in the critical care unit.

Six men were arrested on Saturday and a further six people arrested on Sunday.

The six arrested on Saturday were aged between 21 and 40, and were questioned on suspicion of attempted murder.

They have all been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

'Violent attack'

Det Ch Insp Alex Franklin-Smith said: "This was a violent attack, which has left a man in a critical condition.

"We know there are a number of people who regularly visited this property and we appeal to them to come forward.

"It may be that you are shocked at what has happened, or you may wish to make it clear that you were not involved.

"All information will be treated in the strictest confidence."

He added they were also appealing to others who may have been in Ascote Way around midnight on 19 August or early on Saturday morning to contact police if they saw anything unusual.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers.

An 18-year old has been charged as a man remains critically ill following an attack in Southam over the weekend.

The 42-year old was found face down with serious head injuries at an address on Ascote Way early on Saturday morning.

He is getting treatment in the Critical Care Unit of Coventry’s University Hospital.

18-year old Jack Bryant from Radford Semele has been charged with grievous bodily harm over the incident and is also accused of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

He is due to appear before Nuneaton magistrates on Tuesday morning.

Police have been granted more time to talk to two other lads held on suspicion of attempted murder.

Two 16-year old’s arrested on Sunday have been released on police bail and another has been released without any further action.

Six other men taken into custody on Saturday are all out on police bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Franklin-Smith, who is leading the investigation, said:”This was a violent attack, which has left a man in a critical condition. We know there are a number of people who regularly visited this property and we appeal to them to come forward. It may be that you are shocked at what has happened , or you may wish to make it clear that you were not involved. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. We are also appealing to others who may have been in Ascote Way around midnight on Friday night, Saturday morning to contact the police if they saw anything unusual.”

Anyone with information can call the Local Investigation Team at Leamington police station on 01926 451111 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.