Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a serious assault in Derry / Londonderry in the early hours of Sunday, 18th January.

Detective Inspector Connolly said: "City centre CCTV operators picked up an ongoing altercation between two males in the Butcher Street area just after 2.25am.

"Police immediately attended and found a 17-year-old male unconscious on the ground. The other person involved had left the scene.

"At this time, the injured male remains in hospital having sustained a potentially life-threatening head injury."

Detective Inspector Connolly continued: "We know that a number of people were in the area at the time and would appeal to anyone who witnessed this shocking incident to come forward.

"The relevant reference number is 174 18/01/26."

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/