Man in hospital with ‘life-threatening’ head injury after fight in Wakefield city centre

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which occurred just before 5am in Westgate. Four men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, from West Yorkshire Police’s Protective Services (Crime), said: ‘‘Officers were called to the scene, near the Bing Bada Boom venue on Westgate, shortly before 5am this morning following reports that up to 10 people were fighting.

‘‘While the investigation is at an early stage, we have made four arrests in connection with this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the disturbance and has not already spoken to police.

‘‘We believe the incident started following a disagreement in a nearby takeaway which has then spilled out onto the street. At the time this took place there will have been a number of people in the local area getting a taxi home or having something to eat and I would like to hear from those potential witnesses.

‘‘A 38-year-old man from Bradford has been admitted to Leeds General Infirmary with a life threatening head injury, so it’s vital that we establish what took place here as soon as possible.

‘‘At the present time a scene remains in place on Westgate while forensic officers examine the area for evidence. CCTV from surrounding premises is also being examined.

‘‘Incidents like this will not be tolerated and for someone to suffer life threatening injuries under these circumstances and in the run-up to Christmas is disturbing and is something we are not used to seeing in Wakefield.

‘‘Additional patrols will be in central Wakefield tonight and I would again ask people that may not have already contacted police because they may have wanted to leave the area and get home to contact officers if they have any information which could assist the investigation.’’

Four men remain in custody this morning in connection with the incident. They are a 20-year-old man from Liversedge, a 20-year-old man from Batley, a 21-year-old man from Mirfield and 22-year-old from Leeds. All four men are being held on suspicion of assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wakefield CID via 101 and quoting reference number 0330 from 13 December. Information can also be given anonymously and in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.