A MAN is fighting for his life after being attacked at Cononley Railway Station on Sunday night.

The 32-year-old man from Bradford is being treated for serious head injuries at Leeds General Infirmary after being involved in a fracas on the Skipton-bound platform at 8pm.

He has undergone surgery and was said to be in a critical condition yesterday (Thursday).

British Transport Police are planning to return to the station at 8pm this Sunday in their search for further information.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Field, who is leading the investigation, told the Herald that it was known that several people - both men and women - were involved in the incident.

Three local men aged 23, 22 and 20 and a youth of 17 were arrested after the incident but have since been released on police bail. A fifth man was subsequently arrested and has also been released on police bail.

Det Chief Insp Field added the fracas may have followed some form of confrontation that occurred that night in The Railway public house, 100 yards from the station, and inquiries are currently being made.

The railway station was closed to members of the public on Sunday night. The Skipton-bound platform was not reopened until around 2pm on Monday while the police carried out a thorough forensic examination of the site.

Police officers also carried out a detailed search of Main Street outside of the railway station, including looking under parked vehicles and over walls into people's gardens.

Det Chief Insp Field said: "We are very concerned about this young victim, not just as to why he was in Cononley but how he has received these particularly nasty injuries.

"I'd like to make a personal appeal to the people of Cononley, which appears to be a fairly close-knit community, to assist the police and establish what has occurred."

He added that during the assault a train passed through the station and the level crossing barriers were down. At least three cars were held up at the crossing and the occupants may have seen something, he said.

A woman who was pushing a pram near the level crossing around the time of the incident is also asked to come forward as she may hold vital information.

Police also want to speak to three men who caught a train about 8.40pm and were overheard talking about the incident.

British Transport Police are being assisted by officers from North Yorkshire Police and are anxious to hear from anyone in the vicinity of Cononley Railway Station at that time.

Anyone who can help should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or North Yorkshire Police 01423 539752.