A 64-YEAR-OLD cleaner found unconscious inside a locked town centre bar is now in a coma after being attacked last week.

Police have confirmed the man was the victim of a serious assault.

He is said to be in a stable but critical condition at Queen's Hospital, Romford.

The incident had initially baffled officers who were called to what appeared to be a fight near the Sun Rooms bar, in Market Place, Southend, at 4am last Thursday.

Inside they discovered the man unconscious on the floor of the bar, with serious head injuries.

At first, it was unclear if he had suffered an accident or had been attacked.

Forensic scientists have carefully searched the scene and a Home Office pathologist has examined pictures of the man's injuries. As a result, they have confirmed he was the victim of an attack.

Investigating officer Det Insp Martin Pasmore said police were still desperate for more information from the public.

He added: "We really need to put across to the public that this man was the subject of a nasty assault.

"He is still in a coma, with no real signs of coming out of it any time soon.

"We need to speak to anyone who has information about the victim or the incident, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

"We also desperately need to speak to the woman who dialled 999 to report a fight.

"Hopefully, reading this might make her realise this guy is very seriously ill and we need to know what she saw and heard.

"Even if she wants to speak to us anonymously, that's fine. We just need to talk to her."

Anyone with any information can call Southend CID on 01702 423107 or Crimestoppers in confidence, on 0800 555111.