A 59-year-old Manningham man was viciously attacked in Lumb Lane - just yards from where a man was shot dead last year.

Merban Hussain, of Salt Street, was critically ill with severe head injuries today after being punched in the face.

The assault took place at 9.45pm on Saturday outside the Moss chemist's, near the Young Lions caf where Destor Coleman was shot last July.

Yesterday, forensic teams were combing the area for clues as Lumb Lane was cordoned off, and police officers were tracking down witnesses to the attack.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said tensions in the area were getting worse.

She said: "There are people selling drugs around here all the time.

"It went quiet for a while when the caf closed, but people are coming back every day.

"Every time I come out of the house, something seems to be happening. I'm so frightened."

Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick, who is leading the investigation, said that there appeared to have been an argument between Mr Hussain and an Afro-Caribbean man before the attack.

He said: "It seems there was a conversation between two men and one was punched. At this stage, we don't know what it was about."

Police now want to speak to two men seen in the area at the time.

The attacker is described as a light-skinned Afro-Caribbean man in his early 20s, 6ft tall and clean shaven. He had short hair and was wearing a woollen hat and a light-coloured khaki jacket.

He was seen talking with another man, who is described as a very dark-skinned, short black male who was wearing a peaked cap made of black leather and a black leather jacket.

The second man left in a black car prior to the assault.

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to call (01274) 376259.

l A 32-year-old woman was arrested and bailed in connection with the incident yesterday.