A VULNERABLE man was left with “potentially life-threatening” head injuries after an attack in Southampton.

The 64-year-old victim from Northam, who is well-known in the community as Fred, was left with a broken jaw, cheekbone and eye socket.

The attack happened in Northam between 6pm on Tuesday and 9.20am the following morning.

Detectives investigating the attack have appealed to the public for any information that could help track down his assailants.

It is known that youngsters have taunted and goaded Fred on several occasions near his house in Augustine Road.

On Tuesday he was uninjured, but when a housemate saw him the next morning he had the head injuries.

He said three local “kids” had caused them.

Paramedics were called on Thursday and Fred was taken to Southampton General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed his injuries.

His injuries have since deteriorated and he was moved to the intensive care ward.

A police spokesman said the injuries are “potentially life-threatening”.

Fred has been unable to tell police what happened, and officers want to hear from anyone who saw a man being assaulted in Northam between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Anyone with information should contact Det Sgt Jeremy Boughay at Shirley CID on 101.