Detectives want to trace two people who are believed to have witnessed the lead up to an assault in Chester city centre during the early hours of Saturday morning (December 6) which left a 51-year-old man in a critical condition in hospital.
The incident is believed to have taken place at around 2.10am near Déjà Vu nightclub in Frodsham Street.
The victim collapsed close to the nightclub following the incident and was assisted by members of the public.
He was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital but has since been transferred to the Walton Centre in Liverpool where he remains in a critical condition.
Two local men, aged 29 and 50, were arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Police are now appealing for a man and woman who were seen in the area around the time of the assault to make contact with them as it is believed they may have crucial information relating to the investigation.
The man is described as white with a stocky build and short dark hair. He was wearing a dark coloured top with a white collar and dark coloured trousers.
The woman is described as white with a medium build and shoulder-length blonde hair. She was wearing a dark top with a sparkly effect and dark coloured trousers.
The pair, who are thought to be in their 20s, were seen outside the club at about 2.10am, before walking away and getting into a car parked at the rear of the club and driving away.
Insp Steve Beddows said: “We are appealing directly for these two individuals to get in contact with us as we believe they may have vital information about the circumstances leading up to the assault.
“If you recognise yourself from the description and were in the area at the time, please get in touch by calling 101.”
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 158 of December 6, 2014. Information can also be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
