POLICE inquiries are being stepped up as a man lies critically ill in hospital after being beaten up in a crowded street.

Detectives, backed by members of Cleveland Police's district support unit, descended on the scene of the attack in South Bank, Middlesbrough in a bid to find anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious.

Police are disappointed at the lack of public response to appeals for help following the assault on a 39-year-old local man at around teatime on Saturday, November 10.

The unnamed victim suffered serious injuries after being waylaid on Normanby Road, near its junction with Market Street.

He is in Middlesbrough General Hospital where his condition remains critical.

Detective Sergeant Dave Turnbull said: "I am disappointed with the response that we have had. From the inquiries we have made, there were a lot of pedestrians and vehicles in the area at the time. I am sure people witnessed this attack. This has been a serious assault and we need all the help we can get.''

The attacker is described as broad-built, between 5ft 10in and 6ft, with light, cropped hair and in his late 20s or early 30s.

He escaped in a waiting D-registered four-wheel drive vehicle, which did a U-turn and drove off towards Eston.

Police are viewing security film footage of the area.

Det Sgt Turnbull said that while the motive remained unclear, the attack was unprovoked.

Police are keen to trace and speak to a motorist who pulled up in a white Ford Transit van and stayed with the injured man until the ambulance arrived.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 302626.