A MAN left fighting for life after being beaten up outside Southampton's Leisureworld complex was today critically ill on a life-support machine.

Andrew Heath has received round-the-clock care in intensive care at Southampton General Hospital since the attack near a taxi rank on Sunday evening.

The 29-year-old, who lives in the Lordshill area, underwent emergency surgery after suffering severe head injuries in the incident, which happened as he tried to catch a taxi home just before 11pm.

Police said Leisureworld had been crowded, with hundreds of people attending the cinema complex, bars, clubs and restaurants.

An 18-year-old woman from Southsea and a 19-year-old Southampton man remained in custody today, being quizzed in connection with the attack.

A 30-year-old from Bitterne was released after being questioned, pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Southampton Central CID on 0845 045 4545 or the free, anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.