A MAN is in a coma after being subjected to an attack in Southampton city centre.

Police in Southampton are appealing for information from witnesses who saw an assault that left a Southampton man with a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain.

The 38-year-old victim is in an induced coma at Southampton General Hospital, where he is reported to be in a serious, but stable, condition.

At about 7.30pm Tuesday, August 27, the victim was part of a group of two men and two women on the corner of Above Bar Street and New Road, Southampton. A man and woman approached the group, and the man punched the victim in the back of the head.

The injured man fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement. The man who threw the punch walked away along New Road, towards the Civic Centre.

Shortly before 1am Wednesday, a 42-year-old Southampton woman was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. She was bailed, pending further enquiries, to report back to police on October 23.

Police continue their search to find the man who punched the victim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shirley CID on 101.