Detectives investigating a recent serious assault in west Belfast have made an arrest.

Detective Inspector Collins said: “Police received a report on Saturday, 13th June that a man had been taken to hospital for treatment to serious head injuries following an assault the previous evening.

“We understand the victim was assaulted at around 9pm on Friday, 12th June in the Suffolk Road area by another man while he was outside licensed premises.

“Our ongoing enquiries suggest the attacker arrived by taxi, punched the victim, and then left in the taxi along with another man.

“There may have also been an earlier verbal altercation between the injured party and another man inside the premises.

“The victim, aged 30, remains in a critical condition in hospital. He was wearing a beige hooded top, blue jeans and trainers at the time of the assault.

“Meanwhile, the suspect was dressed in a black hooded top, light coloured shorts, black socks and trainers.

“Our officers have today, Sunday 14th June, arrested a man, aged 20, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent. He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident or the persons involved, to please come forward and help us with our investigation.

“You can call police on our 101 number or report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport quoting reference number 1174 13/06/26.”

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk