A teenager was today fighting for life after he was kicked and punched and left for dead in a street in Dudley.

The 18-year-old is critically ill in hospital after the attack early today.

A number of roads were sealed off during rush hour while forensic teams began searching for evidence and officers carried out house to house inquiries following the assault near Dudley Leisure Centre.

Dock Lane, Ludgate Street, Charlotte Street, Cleveland Street and the entrance to Dudley Leisure Centre were all blocked off.

West Midlands Police said the victim was found lying in Dock Lane with multiple injuries to his head and body.

Police say a weapon was not used and at this stage it is unclear whether the attack was unprovoked.

Detective Inspector Carl Southwick said: “We need anyone who was in the area surrounding the leisure centre in the early hours to come forward as they may have seen something vital to our investigation.

“This young man has serious injuries as a result of this attack, and we urge anyone who can help us piece together the events leading up to what happened to contact us.”

Dock Lane resident Jane Lloyd, aged 53, said: “I was fast asleep but suddenly I was awoken by lots of shouting and screaming.

Two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested near the scene of the attack which happened around midnight. Another 16-year-old boy was arrested in Birmingham earlier today.

Dudley Council said the leisure centre was open for business as usual although the car park entrance was taped off.

Any witnesses should call Team 9 of Force CID at Harborne police station on 0345 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

By Andrew Turton