The family of a dad left fighting for his life after a vicious beating last night pleaded for the public to help police catch the culprits.

Mark Connorton, was found unconscious with severe head injuries on a Redcar street at 3am on Sunday.

The 37-year-old was still in hospital in a critical condition in Middlesbrough General Hospital yesterday.

Police say they are convinced Mr Connorton, of Marske, was attacked on King Street in the early hours.

They have already appealed for anyone with any information to come forward in a bid to track down the culprit.

Two women in their 30s who gave Mr Connorton first aid before an ambulance arrived have contacted police after a press appeal.

They were due to be interviewed by detectives yesterday.

Last night Mr Connorton's mother, Olive Connorton, also of Marske, revealed how her daughter had flown home from Florida to be by her brother's bedside.

the family are maintaining a round the clock vigil by his side.

Mrs Connorton said: "This was a vicious attack on Mark and he has been unconscious since it happened.

"We just need someone to come forward. We really need some leads."

She also thanked the two women who stopped to help, adding: "I would like to thank the two ladies who did what they could for him."

Mr Connorton, who lives in Marske, has a nine-year-old son.

He is divorced and works as an Information Technology consultant.

Police say the good weather meant there were still people on the streets when the attack is believed to have taken place.

Detective inspector Chris Garner said: "We are now satisfied he was the victim of an assault shortly before he was found.

Even though it was around 3am there were plenty of people in the area wandering home from local nightclubs. We need to speak to everyone who was in and around King Street."

Anyone who has any information is asked to call either Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326.