THREE people have been arrested after a man was left fighting for life with serious head injuries outside a Bournemouth pub.

The 61-year-old was found just after midnight on Monday in the car park of Cricketers Arms in Windham Road, Springbourne.

He is in Southampton General Hospital, where his condition was described as life-threatening.

The man, named locally as Richard, is thought to be the partner of the Cricketers Arms’ landlady Sheila Doherty.

Police said a 32-year-old Bournemouth man had been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. A 54-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man, both from Bournemouth, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All were this evening helping officers with their enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bell, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are now treating this as an alleged serious assault in which the victim sustained his injuries.

“I have information that further witnesses were present at the time and I urge them to come forward and speak to the police.

“Anyone with information about the alleged assault should contact Dorset Police urgently as it is important that we establish exactly what happened. All calls will be treated in strictest confidence.”

The injured man, who owns the Union Motors garage next door to the pub, has two children.

Springbourne Forum chairman Elaine Finlay said: “It is really shocking news, and I and the community wish him all the best and a speedy recovery.

“I know Sheila through her work with community groups and my thoughts are with her at this time.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 09:476, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.