Police are appealing for a key witness to a serious assault in Gloucester on Sunday night (7 April) to come forward.
A man remains in a critical condition at Southmead Hospital following the incident on Southgate Street shortly after 7pm.
Officers believe that a man seen close to the incident when it happened could hold vital information about the events leading up to the assault.
Police have now released a CCTV image of the man and are appealing for him to make himself known.
Officers have made it clear that he is not suspected of any involvement in the incident, but believe he could provide details that would help build a clearer picture of what has happened.
Detective Inspector Paula Hannaford, who is leading the investigation, said: “We know that the victim and a woman were walking past the car park in Southgate Street and towards the city centre before the assault. It appears that there may have been some heated discussion between the pair.
“They have been approached by the suspect and an argument between the suspect and the victim appears to have started, before it has become physical.
“During the argument, another man, who was wearing a black coat and eating chips, has been passing and has stopped due to what is taking place.
“I believe that the he will have heard and seen the incident as it unfolded. He is not suspected of having any part in the assault on the victim, but he may have vital information which could assist us.
“A man is in a critical condition in hospital as a result of the assault, and we would urge this witness to come forward and help us with our investigation.”
If you are the man in question or know who he is, you are asked to call 101 or complete the following online form, quoting incident 339 of 7 April: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/
Two men were arrested on Sunday in connection with the incident.
Jimi Southern, aged 26 and of Ryecroft Street, Gloucester, has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. He appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court yesterday and has been remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing on Friday 10 May.
A 24-year-old man from Gloucester has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.