A MAN is critically ill in hospital with a fractured skull and two bleeds on the brain following a “completely unprovoked” late-night attack in Wimborne at the weekend.

The incident happened in the Leigh Park area outside the Premier Store in Gordon Road close to the junction of Barnes Crescent at around 1.20am on Saturday.

A 27-year-old man was walking home from a pub in the town centre with his girlfriend when he was attacked.

He was just five minutes away from home when he was approached by an unknown man from behind and then punched.

The victim’s mum, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Echo: “He fell back and hit his head on the road they were in the middle of crossing.”

She said her son is currently in Poole Hospital and is in a critical but stable condition but could be transferred to Southampton if his condition worsens.

The man’s girlfriend had called police and ambulance. His mother and two other women at the scene, had also offered their assistance.

His mum said: “We just thought he’d bust his head and would need a couple of stitches until we saw a five-inch cut in his head.”

It was only when the victim was taken to hospital and received a scan, that the seriousness of his condition was known.

Wimborne Minster ward councillor , and deputy town mayor, Shane Bartlett told the Echo he only became aware of the incident on Sunday morning.

He said: “Obviously my thoughts are with the family. Wimborne is normally a quiet town and we don’t usually get much crime here.

“I would like to add my disappointment that due to cuts by the government there is a lack of police patrols,” he added.

“Obviously, my thoughts are with the family and I hope the victim makes a full recovery.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said at the weekend that no one had been arrested and enquiries were ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting reference number 21.0036.