A 34-YEAR-OLD man is in a "critical condition" after being found outside a block of flats in Chester.

He was discovered on Byron Close in Blacon shortly before midday yesterday (July 19) before being taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital by ambulance.

An investigation is now underway to establish how he came to be in this condition.

Officers are appealing to members of the public who were in the area at the time to come forward with information.

Police are also particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have information or witnessed an assault the man is believed to have been involved in at 5.30pm on Sunday, July 18.

The assault took place behind Tesco on Weston Grove in Upton and two men dressed in dark clothing were seen fleeing the scene.

The area was cordoned off with police tape yesterday.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team, said: “At this stage we are in the process of establishing how he has come to be in a serious condition in hospital and his whereabouts between 5.30pm on Sunday 18 July and 12pm the following day.

“We are reviewing CCTV and conducting house-to-house enquiries in the Byron Close and Weston Grove area but appealing to the public to come forward with information.

“This includes information on an assault which the man is believed to have been involved in the day before. At this stage it is unclear if the assault is linked to his current condition and therefore I need the public to get in touch if they saw it take place or have information surrounding it.

“If you have dash cam or CCTV footage in both areas, and officers have not been in touch with you, please submit it to us.”

You can provide information by calling Cheshire Constabulary on 101 quoting IML 1040900 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be given through the special online portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/07CH21D36-PO1