A 24-year-old Honiton man is in a stable condition in hospital after sustaining serious head injuries in an attack at the weekend.

A 24-year-old Honiton man is in a stable condition in hospital after sustaining serious head injuries in an attack at the weekend.

The man, who has not been named, was discovered by police in King Street in the early hours of Saturday.

Police had responded to a call reporting an assault.

The caller said he or she could see a male lying on the ground.

A police spokesman told the Midweek Herald: "Officers were on the scene within a few minutes and, despite an initial search, no victim or offenders were located.

"Investigations commenced in the local area and a 21-year-old male was located a short distance away, attempting to hide from officers.

"After a short foot chase, he was detained in the rear garden of a house.

"Shortly after this, a 24-year-old local male was found with serious head injuries.

"He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where his condition is described as stable and improving."

It is understood by this newspaper that the victim's injuries were so severe that they were initially regarded as potentially life-threatening.

The police spokesman added: "The detained male was arrested on suspicion of assault and conveyed to Torquay Police Station, where he was interviewed and released on police bail to return to Heavitree Road Police Station on May 17.

"As a result of inquiries, an 18-year-old local male was also arrested in connection with this incident and taken to Launceston Police Station.

"He has been bailed to report to Heavitree Road Police Station on May 17."

The police investigation into the assault is being led by officers from Honiton CID.

They are appealing for anyone with information about the assault to get in touch.

If you can help with their inquiries, call 08452 777444, quoting crime reference KH/10/160.