DETECTIVES in Winchester have widened their appeal for witnesses in an effort to find who attacked a 25-year-old, leaving him with serious head injuries.

Police said CCTV showed Izaak Bullen leaving the city station, wearing a camouflage jacket and carrying a rucksack, after alighting from a Southampton train at 12.24am on Thursday.

They now believe that he walked through the cemetery or via Sparkford and Peninsula Roads to Cromwell Road, where he was found at 12.50am by a passer-by, who tried to administer first aid.

He managed to get home, where, at 8am, his parents found him in bed. He was taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, where yesterday (Wednesday) he was still recovering from his injuries.

Mr Bullen's parents described him as "an inoffensive man who would not harm anyone".

"We are devastated and horrified about what happened to him," they added.

Detective Inspector Vicky Dennis said: "This was a very nasty assault and it is highly likely that whoever was responsible would have blood on their clothing."

Police want to hear from anyone who saw someone walking through Winchester with blood-stained clothing or from anyone whose friend or relative arrived home in the early hours on Thursday in that state.

DI Dennis added that CCTV showed several people getting off the train at the same time as the victim - and they could hold vital information.

If you think you can help, ring Winchester CID on 0845 0454545 or telephone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.