POLICE have revealed that a 37-year-old man attacked in Ilkeston is fighting for his life in hospital.

The Telegraph reported on Saturday how the victim had been discovered under a footbridge with serious head injuries in the early hours of Friday.

But now police have released his name – Stephen Butler – and say brain specialists have had to perform extensive surgery on his skull following the unprovoked assault.

Mr Butler, who is known locally as Goatee, was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham after he was attacked.

He had earlier been at a house party in Ilkeston.

Detective Superintendent Russ Foster, who is leading the investigation, said: "Mr Butler is fighting for his life having suffered very serious head injuries.

"Someone out there knows what has happened to this man and who has done it. I would urge them to contact us.

"The victim had been at a party with a number of other people. He left and we are trying to establish whether some kind of altercation took place.

"We are keeping an open mind as to whether a weapon might have been used. I am convinced the answer to this assault lies in the local community."

Mr Butler was discovered at 12.25am in Palmerston Road. He had earlier left the party in Northgate Street, Ilkeston.

As police investigated the incident on Friday, officers found evidence someone had been assaulted on a path running beside the Tesco store and towards Critchley Street.

Detectives believe Mr Butler may have walked half a mile in an attempt to reach home after being attacked on the footpath.

Officers are keen to speak to a taxi driver who was seen at Tesco. Mr Butler requested a lift from the driver at around midnight but was refused.

Ilkeston North Councillor Ernest Bevan, who lives close to where Mr Butler was discovered, said: "It is a sad state of society when you can't walk home without being attacked. I hope for the sake of him and his family that he pulls through."

Last night, Mr Butler remained in a critical condition.

Officers arrested four men on suspicion of assault and released them on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information can call Ilkeston CID on 0345 123 3333 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.