A MAN is fighting for his life after being assaulted.

The 23-year-old was rushed to Whipps Cross Hospital, in Leytonstone, with a serious head injury after being attacked outside Percy Ingle bakery and Strictly Silver jewellers, in Old Church Road, shortly before 1.30am on Sunday morning.

He has since been transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology, in central London, where he is in a critical condition.

It is not believed a weapon was used in the assault.

A police spokeswoman said: “The area was particularly busy due to the time of year and police are urging witnesses to come forward, however small the information may be."

The spokeswoman refused to answer a question about whether the attack was alcohol-related, saying it was “not relevant.”

Anybody with information about the attack should call the violent crime investigation team at Chingford police station on 8345 3015 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.