Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault on Frodsham Street in Chester city centre during the early hours of yesterday morning (Saturday, December 6).
The incident is believed to have taken place at around 2.10am outside Déjà Vu nightclub.
The victim was seen to collapse near the nightclub shortly after and was assisted by members of the public.
He was initially taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital but has since been transferred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool, where his condition is described as critical.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Steven Beddows said: “I would specifically like to appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Déjà Vu nightclub at around the time this incident took place.
“Last night was a busy night in the run up to Christmas and we know through CCTV footage that there were a number of people in the area when this incident took place and I would like to appeal to them to ask them to come forward to allow us to progress with our investigation.”
Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 158 of December 6, 2014.
Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
