A BRADFORD man is fighting for life in hospital after being attacked during a street brawl early today.

The 38-year-old man, believed to be a takeaway worker, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary with a life-threatening head injury, after up to ten people started fighting in central Wakefield at about 5am.

Police believe an argument in a takeaway near the Bing Bada Boom bar on Westgate had spilled out on to the street.

Four men, all in their early 20s, have been arrested, and detectives are now appealing for witnesses.

Detective Superintendent Nick Wallen, of West Yorkshire Police's Protective Services (Crime), said: "While the investigation is at an early stage we have made four arrests in connection with this incident and I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the disturbance and has not already spoken to police.

"We believe the incident started following a disagreement in a nearby takeaway which has then spilled out on to the street.

"At the time this took place there will have been a number of people in the local area getting a taxi home or having something to eat and I would like to hear from those potential witnesses.

"A 38-year-old man from Bradford has been admitted to Leeds General Infirmary with a life-threatening head injury, so it's vital that we establish what took place here as soon as possible.

"At the present time a scene remains in place on Westgate while forensic officers examine the area for evidence. CCTV from surrounding premises is also being examined.

"Incidents like this will not be tolerated and for someone to suffer life threatening injuries under these circumstances and in the run-up to Christmas is disturbing and is something we are not used to seeing in Wakefield.

"Additional patrols will be in central Wakefield tonight and I would again ask people that may not have already contacted police, because they may have wanted to leave the area and get home, to contact officers if they have any information which could assist the investigation."

The four arrested men remain in custody today. They are a 20-year-old, of Liversedge, a 20-year-old, of Batley, a 21-year-old, of Mirfield, and 22-year-old, of Leeds. All four men are being held on suspicion of assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wakefield CID via 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.