A YOUNG man is in a "criticial condition" after collapsing in the street early this morning.

Police in Waltham Forest were scrambled to St James Street, in Walthamstow, at 6.15am, to reports of man collapsed on the pavement.

Officers gave emergency life support to the man, believed to be in his 20s. 

Paramedics arrived and took the man to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Police taped off the area where he collapsed, which is opposite St James Street station.

Scotland Yard said they are investigating the nature of this incident, but can't yet confirm if this was a "criminal incident".

Enquiries continue.