A 54-year-old man was last night in a critical condition in hospital after a suspected street attack.

Detectives in the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) of West Yorkshire Police were yesterday investigating the incident, which happened in Kirkgate, Shipley.

Staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary called police after the man was brought to Accident and Emergency with serious head injuries.

A Bradford man has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

The injured man, who also lives in Bradford, has been transferred to Leeds General Infirmary.

West Yorkshire Police described his condition as “critical” last night.

Officers were yesterday guarding the scene of the attack and police were visiting pubs and shops in Shipley town centre.

The police helicopter was also circling above Shipley town centre yesterday morning.

Shipley Green Councillor Martin Love moved to reassure residents following the incident, which happened at about 10.15pm on Wednesday.

He said: “We meet with the police regularly to discuss ongoing problems and longer-term issues in the Shipley ward. Problems in the town centre late at night do come up from time to time.

“It is usually on a Friday and Saturday night when police have a presence but something like this happening on a week night is going to be the exception to the rule.

“It is no more a problem in Shipley as it is anywhere else.”

A police spokesman said: “Detectives are investigating how the man received his injuries and have arrested another Bradford man on suspicion of assault.

“The injured man is now being treated at Leeds General Infirmary in a critical condition. Inquiries remain ongoing.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact HMET on 0845 6060606.