A 23-YEAR-old man is in a coma with bleeding on his brain following an assault in a Bournemouth street.

Critically-ill Maximillian Ruas, who remains hooked up to a ventilator in Poole Hospital, has been left with a fractured eye socket after the attack in Charminster in the early hours of Saturday.

A 49-year-old man sustained facial bruising in the incident in Heron Court Road just after 2.30am.

Detective Constable James Lees, of Bournemouth CID, said: “The 23-year-old is in an induced coma.

“He has bleeding on the brain as well as a fractured eye socket.”

Consultants describe the man’s condition as critical, but are hoping to reduce his sedation over the coming days.

Members of the public dialled 999 over the incident, which was also flagged up by CCTV operators.

Officers cordoned off a stretch of Heron Court Road between Charminster Road and Alington Road and forensic teams were examining the scene until around 9am on Saturday.

Some residents said they heard screaming, but were so used to hearing trouble they did not look out of their windows.

One resident said: “We heard a group of blokes shouting and one girl kept screaming at about 2.30am but because we are so used to it, I didn’t even get up to look out of the window.

“It’s like that every Friday and Saturday night around here. This morning the police had placed lots of yellow evidence markers on the road and were taking pictures.”

A female resident said: “There was a load of shouting at about 2am. I didn’t look. I didn’t get up because we are quite used to it around here. I could hear one girl particularly loud.”

DC Lees is appealing for any witnesses to urgently call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• Two 15-year-old boys and one 17-year-old male have been charged with two counts each of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and will appear at Bournemouth Magistrates court today.

A fourth youth helping officers with their enquiries has been released on bail.