Detectives are continuing to talk to an assault victim in a bid to piece together how he sustained serious head injuries.

The 41-year-old man was left critically injured when he was allegedly attacked as he made his way home from a night out.

He was discovered by his parents in the back garden of their home in Marlborough Road, Manningham, Bradford, at 9.30am on Sunday, December 23, but could have been lying injured for hours.

He had been dropped off by a taxi in nearby Queens Road at about 1am.

The victim was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

His condition continues to improve in hospital but he remains confused and has slurred speech.

A Bradford North Police spokesman said: "We are talking to him, but he has suffered a bad head injury and is confused about what happened.

"But we believe the injuries are consistent with an assault, rather than him falling after drinking.

"We still need people who may have witnessed anything suspicious to come forward.

"The victim was seen staggering in an alley near his home but it was thought he was drunk.

"We ask anyone who saw him, or any incident between 1am and 9.30am that day, to come forward."

Anyone with information should call Bradford North Police on (01274) 376285, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.