John Phillips A MAN was left on a life support machine after receiving massive head injuries in a horrific nighttime attack. The popular 27-year-old has not regained consciousness since the assault at 4am on Saturday in Ford Road, Dagenham, police said on Tuesday. Five

John Phillips

A MAN was left on a life support machine after receiving massive head injuries in a horrific nighttime attack.

The popular 27-year-old has not regained consciousness since the assault at 4am on Saturday in Ford Road, Dagenham, police said on Tuesday. Five people have been bailed in connection with the incident.

The "well known" young man, who came to England five years ago when Latvia joined the EU, suffered severe brain injuries.

Detectives have been unable to establish a motive for the assault or exactly how he received his injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward and are seeking information regarding a silver car that was in the area at the time of the attack.

They have not released the name of the victim as they are still trying to contact his relatives in Latvia, but friends have been informed.

He was critical, though stable, on a life support machine at Queen's Hospital, Romford, on Tuesday.

Det Sgt Adam Callaghan said: "It was a beating. We don't know what was used.

"Ford Road is a residential area. Someone may have seen something."

He added: "He sustained severe, really severe head injuries - multiple fractures to his head and brain injuries. He is still unconscious."

The five people arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm have been bailed to return within the next month.

Anyone with information is urged to call Barking CID on 020 8217 5548 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.