Two Preston men arrested after serious assault near Harris Museum

The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered serious head injuries and was found near the Harris Museum in the early hours of Friday morning (August 12).

Detectives believe he was assaulted by two men at the junction of Harris Street and Birley Street at around 2.45am.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Today (Saturday, August 13), two men – a 28-year-old from Preston and a 21-year-old man from Ashton – have been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Wounding (causing grievous bodily harm).

They are have now been released on bail.

The arrests follow a public appeal from detectives last night in which a description of the two suspects and the victim was released.

What happens next?

Police are continuing to appeal for anybody who saw any of the three men described below in the area before or after the altercation or in Preston on Thursday evening .

Male one is described as white, approximately 5ft 9ins tall in his late 20s. He was wearing a grey Under Armour baseball cap, grey shirt with black stripes and black patterned shorts

Male two, who is described as short, of a slim build, with blonde hair. He was wearing a lime green top and shorts.

Male three, who is the victim, is described as white, approximately 6ft 1ins tall, in his early 20s, with dark hair.

He was wearing a black and white check shirt over a black t-shirt, dark trousers and black trainers.

Witnesses

Detectives also need to speak to a fourth man who could be a key witness, who helped the victim after the assault.

He was seen in the Friargate area following the assault and is described as black, of a stocky build in his late 20’s with short cut hair.

Police say he was potentially wearing a dark green tracksuit and carrying a man bag.

Latest statement from detectives

DI Bryony Midgley, from the Force Major Investigation Team: “This incident has left a young man with serious injuries and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“Whilst we have made two arrests our enquiries are very much ongoing.

“We are still keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw any of the men described above. Whatever information they have – no matter how minor they think it is - may be key to the investigation.

“We know a number of people were present in the area at the time, many of whom provided assistance and first aid. If you have not come forward to speak to police yet, I would urge you to do so as soon as possible.

“Similarly, I would ask anybody with footage from the area which could assist our enquiries to make contact with the police.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0161 of August 12. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org.