A MAN has been left fighting for his life after being discovered with serious head injuries lying in a Warndon street.

Residents say the alarm was raised after the man was found unconscious outside a row of houses in Buttermere Drive, yesterday.

The first neighbours knew of the incident was when police arrived in force and cordoned off the area at around 7.30am.

Some residents feared drugs might have been involved and alleged there had been a recent increase in the number of narcotics users in the area, particularly near where the man was found.

"This is still a fairly quiet area and we haven't had anything like this before," admitted one resident, who did not wish to be named.

Many said they had heard nothing during the night that could cast any light on the incident. They were bewildered by the developments as rumours flew around the area as to the identity of the victim and the manner of the attack.

"Some people have been saying he was beaten up and some people have been saying he was stabbed," said one resident.

Police declined to comment on any of the rumours, to reveal how the victim was injured or give his age. But a spokesman said the man was being treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and was still in a critical condition today.

The area remained cordoned off during yesterday while detailed forensic tests were carried out.

An officer remained to guard the scene late into the evening following an incident in which youths had ripped down the police security tape.

Three people were arrested yesterday to help them with their inquiries and remain in custody today, although no one has been charged.

"We are at the early stages on the investigation," said the police spokesman.

Anyone with information about the incident which police believe may have happened any time between 10pm on Monday, November 10 and 7.30am yesterday, such contact Worcester Police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.