Two men from Ellesmere Port have been arrested in connection with a serious assault on a man in his 60s outside a city centre pub in the early hours of Saturday morning (November 23).
The victim, from the Northumberland area, remains in a critical condition in hospital following an altercation near the Liverpool Arms pub on Northgate Street.
The men, both aged 26, were arrested in the early hours of Sunday (November 24) following police inquiries.
Two other men from North Wales and Derbyshire, both in their 20s, who were arrested shortly after the assault have been released without charge.
A police spokesperson said the victim’s next of kin has been informed.
Police erected a forensics tent outside the pub, right next to the Northgate bridge on the City Walls, on Saturday morning and the area was cordoned off.
Sergeant Andrew Burrage of Chester Police said: "People will understandably have concerns following this incident. I would like to reassure the communities of Chester that extra patrols will be visible in the area to answer any questions people may have. Enquiries are ongoing, and at this stage we are keeping an open mind, and it is too early to speculate on a motive for this attack."
Police are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have witnessed the assault, or any of the circumstances leading up to it. Police know that the victim was in the Liverpool Arms prior to the attack, and officers are keen to speak to anyone in the bar at the time who may have seen anything of relevance.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Chester Police on the police non-emergency number 101, quoting Incident 50 of 23/11/2013.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.
