Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Eastgate Street in Gloucester on Saturday night.
Officers were called following a report that a man had been repeatedly punched by another male shortly after 9pm, close to the Bedmaker store.
The victim, who is in his 40s, has been taken to Southmead Hospital where he is being treated for serious head injuries.
His attacker is described as being a white middle-aged man, of a skinny build, receding or short hair with a short grey beard. He was dressed in dark coloured shorts and dark coloured top, and walked away in the direction of the leisure centre following the assault.
Police would like to speak anyone who witnessed the incident or who has dashcam or video phone footage which they believe is relevant.
Investigating officers believe there may have been an altercation earlier that evening in the Eastgate Street area involving the same victim and suspect, where the victim was kicked to the head.