A MAN is fighting for his life after an attack outside a popular Southampton nightspot.

Police and paramedics were called to the incident outside Buddha Lounge in Winchester Street in Bedford Place.

It comes just three months after police launched a murder hunt when a 44-year-old died in a mass brawl nearby.

In the latest incident 30-year-old man was rushed to Southampton General Hospital where he is currently critically ill with a head injury.

It is currently unknown how the victim, who is not been named, sustained the injury, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police have now launched an investigation into the incident. and have issued an appeal for witnesses.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “Police were called at 1.48am on Sunday morning to reports of a man having suffered serious injuries outside Buddha Lounge on Winchester Street, Southampton.

“A 30-year-old man from Croydon had fallen and hit his head. He is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

“Enquiries are on-going to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the man suffering injuries.”

South Central Ambulance spokeswoman said: “We received a call at 1.42am. We sent one rapid response vehicle and one ambulance to the scene. We took the man to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries.”

General manager of Buddha Lounge, Sam Mulhall said: “We have no information to add. We hope the man has a swift recovery.”

The incident comes three months after a murder probe was launched when father-of-four Jason Gregory died following a fight in Vernon Walk - near to the latest incident.

Then emergency services rushed to the area after a brawl involving up to 15 people broke out. Mr Gregory was taken to Southampton General Hospital but later died.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation.

Councillor for the Bargate area, Sarah Bogle said she was upset to hear about what had happened in the latest incident.

Cllr Bogle said: “It is a area which is part of the nightlife economy, and historically it has had more incidents because there are venues.

“It is covered by CCTV and it is a area where police have put their limited resources into. I hope that the man gets better from his injuries. I do not know enough about the incident to make more comment.”

Ward councillor for Bevois which also covers the area around Buddha Lounge, Derek Burke, said: “Normally we have taxi marshals and it’s safe around there.

“I am surprised to hear about this, I wish the man a speedy recovery.”

“He is a visitor and it is not the sort of thing you would come to expect from Southampton.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44170321827.