A man was found unconscious after being attacked by a group of thugs in Manchester city centre.
The 47-year-old was found blacked-out on Whitworth Street.
It is believed the man was assaulted by three men, who then fled.
Police said two of the men were wearing dark hooded tops. The third was wearing a white hooded top.
All of the men were carrying rucksacks.
Police say the victim walked into McDonald's on Oxford Road at around 9.40pm on Saturday (November 9).
People helped treat his wounds.
It is believed he was attacked around 10 minutes earlier on Chepstow Street.
At 12.30am, the victim was found collapsed on Whitworth Street by three men, who alerted police and paramedics.
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The victim was taken to hospital with serious head injuries. He remains in a stable but critical condition, police said.
Enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury, of GMPs City of Manchester Division, said: "This was a violent attack which has left a man suffering from serious injuries.
"We are particularly keen to speak to anyone that was on Chepstow Street at the time of the incident and may have seen anything suspicious, as well as anyone who may have assisted the victim on Whitworth Street."
Anybody with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4409, quoting incident number 129 of 10/11/2019; or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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