A MAN is critically ill in hospital with severe head injuries after an horrific assault outside a town centre nightclub.

And a second man suffered minor injuries following the assault near Fuse nightclub in Church Road at about 9.30pm on Friday, August 3.

Both injured men are from Redditch and are in their 20s.

Two men, also in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

One has been released on police bail pending further inquiries while the second is being kept in police custody.

Det Insp Steve Eccleston, from North Worcestershire police, said: "This was a very serious incident leaving one man in a critical condition in hospital.

"Despite these early arrests, our investigations are very much on-going and we are appealing to any witnesses to come forward and speak to police as soon as they can.

"We would encourage anyone with information, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, to pass this on as it really can make a difference to our inquiries."

A Fuse nightclub spokesman said: "Our club was not open at the time but people were starting to queue to come in from just after 9pm.

"This was a really horrible attack but we want to assure people in Redditch that incidents such as this, either inside or outside our club, are extremely rare.

"We do have excellent door staff to help deal with incidents as they arise."

Anyone with information is asked to call Redditch CID on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.