Police probe after man found in critical condition with severe head injuries on Market Drayton street

The man, who is in his 50s, was discovered by a member of the public in Smithfield Road, Market Drayton.

He was discovered shortly after midnight on Tuesday and investigations are now taking place to discover how he was hurt.

The road was closed and a police cordon was in place over night on Wednesday, which was only taken down at about 2pm yesterday.

West Mercia Police said they were made aware of the incident by hospital staff more than 24 hours after he was discovered by a member of the public.

Paul Roberts, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "Police were called at approximately 7.50pm on Wednesday to reports of a man in his 50s who had received severe head injuries.

"The investigation is currently in its early stages to try and establish what has taken place and how the man came to be in Smithfield Road at about 12.08am on Tuesday.

"Police are appealing to anyone who may have been within the area of Smithfield Road between the hours of 11.40pm on Monday and the time he was found by a member of the public. A scene guard was put in place and inquiries are ongoing.

"The man remains in a critical condition, but it is not known which hospital he has been sent to."

A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I heard a lot of police activity on Wednesday night and wondered what was going on.

"I could hear a police helicopter and also a lot of sirens."

Mike Smith, who runs the Drayton Crier Facebook page, said: "There was a police presence in the area around The Burgage and Smithfield Road.

"The family of those concerned are all aware of the situation I understand.

"Can we all hope for a good outcome," he added.

Anyone with information should contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident 692s of June 15.

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.