A MAN was today fighting for his life after he was attacked outside a Hampshire pub.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the Bold Forester pub, in Sarisbury, near Fareham, at 2am today after reports of a serious assault.

The victim, who has not yet been named, is seriously ill in intensive care at Southampton General Hosp-ital.

Detectives have not released details of the attack or how many people are thought to have been involved.

The Bridge Road pub was sealed off while a team of forensic officers spent this morning at the scene. A police officer was standing guard.

Door-to-door inquiries were also being carried out as the area was scoured for evidence.

It is believed the assault was linked to an incident that happened earlier in the night at the pub.

A police spokesman said: "All we can say at the moment is that a man was taken to hospital with very serious injuries. We understand he is still in a serious condition."

She added that statements were taken from witnesses in a bid to piece together what happened but so far no arrests had been made.

Residents expressed their shock at the news of the assault at the picturesque pub.

Chris Witt said: "We go there sometimes for a meal and the odd drink. It's a very respectable place, I'm surprised something like this has happened here."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 045 45 45.