A MAN in his 50s is in a critical condition after suffering serious head injuries when he was attacked outside a North Yorkshire bar last night.

The victim was assaulted outside Scholar's Bar on Somerset Terrace, in Scarborough, at about 11pm, with police teams being called to deal with a "large disturbance".

A 22-year-old man was arrested near the scene and is currently in police custody, with detectives sending out an appeal for witnesses. The injured man has been taken to Hull Royal Infirmary.

"It was a busy night with a liot of people around who may have witnessed what happened," said Acting Detective Chief Inspector Paul Sweeting of North Yorkshire Police.

"A number of people have already provided information, but I believe there may be people who have not yet come forward who potentially have information which could be vital to the investigation."

The area around the attack scene was still cordoned off this morning as the investigation continued. Somerset Terrace is expected to remain closed to vehicles and pedestrians between the junctions of York Place and Vernon Road for most of the day. 

Anybody with information about the assault should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Scarborough CID, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Callers should quote reference number 12130067013.