DETECTIVES are trying to piece together a series of suspected attacks which may have left a flamboyant pensioner on a life support machine.

Brian Sykes, 65, was found collapsed in his flat in Darlington by police officers at the start of this month.

He was taken to the town's memorial hospital then transferred to Bishop Auckland General Hospital after his condition dramatically deteriorated.

On Monday, police learned from his friends and family that in moments of brief consciousness he spoke of being savagely attacked three times on Saturday, June 28.

Detective Inspector Ian Phillips said last night that he did not know if the attacks were real or imagined.

"It really is a mystery. The problem we have is that he is unconscious in hospital so we can't talk to him."

Mr Sykes told friends that he was drinking in the Nag's Head, in Tubwell Row, at lunchtime on June 28.

He said three men assaulted him in the toilets and attacked him later that afternoon in Clifton Road.

Mr Sykes claimed the men followed him to his flat in Hargreave Terrace, where he lives alone, and attacked him again.

Three days later a friend became worried and contacted police.

Det Insp Phillips said inquiries had so far failed to corroborate the story but appealed for anyone who saw Mr Sykes on June 28 to come forward.

"He's a well-known guy in town centre pubs, probably because he's very distinctive by the amount of jewellery he wears. He is a colourful and flamboyant character."

The pensioner is thin, has a stooped walk, wears lots of gold rings and has bouffant grey hair."

Anyone with information should call (01325) 467681 extension 2026 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.