A YORK pensioner found collapsed at home with mysterious head injuries was fighting for his life in hospital today.

Police have launched a manhunt for an unknown, possibly bloodstained attacker they believe could be behind the horrific facial fractures suffered by Edwin Hopper, 70, of Middleton Road, Acomb.

Mr Hopper was found lying at the bottom of his stairs after a neighbour heard banging coming from his home late on Monday night.

He was rushed to York District Hospital, where he was today said to be in a critical condition.

He has multiple fractures to his face, including injuries to his jaw, eye and palate.

Police yesterday appealed for help to solve the riddle of what had happened to the pensioner.

Today they revealed they are treating the incident as an assault, saying property apparently stolen from Mr Hopper's home had been found dumped in a nearby street.

"We have not yet been able to interview him," said Detective Sergeant Steve Maud.

"The inquiry is continuing though, and we are renewing our appeal for help from the public.

"Property which appears to have been stolen from Mr Hopper's home was found abandoned in the Tudor Road area.

"We know Mr Hopper left his local pub, The Beagle, at about 10.30pm on Monday, and we understand he walked home.

"It is between 10.30 and 11pm or thereabouts he has been subjected to this assault.

"The police are interested to speak to anyone who saw Mr Hopper during his walk home, or anyone who may have information as to how the gentleman suffered his injuries."

Mr Maud then said it was believed whoever assaulted Mr Hopper left his home by a rear entrance, made their way through the garden and on to Tudor Road.

"The offender may well have had bloodstained clothing, so if you know anyone who came home with blood on them late on Monday then please get in touch.

"Also, if anyone saw anyone or anything suspicious in the Tudor Road area, please give us a ring."

Information can be dealt with in confidence, Mr Maud said.

Long-term Middleton Road residents Garry and Tracey Stephenson said the whole street was in shock about the incident.

Garry, who worked with Mr Hopper for eight years, said: "None of us can believe this has happened, Edwin is a lovely bloke, he would always say 'hello' to people when he walked past them and a lot of people had very good words to say about him.

"We have all got our fingers crossed that he makes a full recovery and can come home soon. This has brought the whole street closer together."

Anyone with information should ring Mr Maud on 01904 631321 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 14:29 Wednesday, November 14, 2001