A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a 'nasty' attack in Abingdon which has left a 58-year-old fighting for his life in hospital.

The assault took place on Monday at around 8pm in Bath Street, heading away from the town centre and close to the junction with Stratton Way.

The victim suffered 'significant injuries' to his head and chest and remains in Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital in a 'stable but critical condition'.

READ: Police appeal after man left in life-threatening condition 

Police confirmed today they have taken a 50-year-old man from Abingdon into custody over the attack.

Officers have also issued a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward stating they now believe the victim and attacker were in the Black Swan before the incident.

The Bath Street pub was contacted but declined to comment.

Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Ali Driver, of Force CID based at Abingdon police station, said: “This was a nasty attack on the victim who is now in a critical condition in hospital.

"We would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard something, as it happened in a public area where there is a high chance it was seen.

"We believe the victim and offender were together earlier in the evening, and we think they entered Bath Street from Stratton Way before the attack. We do not believe that this was a random attack.

"We believe that both the victim and offender visited the Black Swan public house on Bath Road earlier in the evening.

"We are appealing for anyone who was there on this evening to come forward with any information they may have."

Bath Street businesses have expressed their shock at the incident.

Huseyen Conak, who works at Abingdon Fish and Chip Shop near the Black Swan, was in the takeaway on Monday but did not hear anything.

He said: "It's scary. It wasn't like it was in the middle of the night."

Call 101 quoting 43180299907 with information.