POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an alleged serious assault in a Devon town.

Officers were called to King Street, Honiton, after receiving reports a man had been badly beaten.

A member of the public called police to report an assault was taking place and they could see a man lying on the ground.

Officers arrived on scene quickly but were unable to find a victim or offender.

A short time later, during a search of the immediate area, police found a 21-year-old man who was attempting to hide from officers.

The man tried to get away and a chase ensued. Police caught up with him and arrested him in the back garden of a house.

He was arrested on suspicion of assault following the incident, which took place at around 3.30pm on Saturday.

Shortly after the arrest other officers found the injured man.

He is a 24-year-old local man and was found suffering serious head injuries sustained in an assault.

The victim was taken by ambulance to the to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, where his condition was described as stable and improving.

The man who was arrested on suspicion of assault was taken to Torquay police station as Exeter’s custody suite is undergoing renovation.

He was interviewed and released on bail to return to Heavitree Road police station in Exeter on May 17.

As a result of further inquiries by the police, an 18-year-old local man was also arrested in connection with the incident and taken to Launceston police station. He has been bailed to the same date.

DC Amanda Rowe, the officer in charge of the case, from Honiton CID, said: “The victim is recovering following treatment.

“Honiton CID are leading the investigation into this serious assault and are keen to speak to anyone who may have any knowledge of the incident or who witnessed it occurring.”

The 23-year-old victim was wearing a blue zip-up jacket with grey sleeves and white stripes around the shoulders and under the arms.

He was also wearing blue jeans and khaki Animal trainers. He is of medium build with fair short hair.

Anyone with any information relating to this incident is asked to contact the police on 08452 777444, quoting crime reference KH/10/160 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.