A teenager kicked and punched and left for dead in a street in Dudley may have been attacked after an argument, police revealed today.

The 18-year-old from Walsall, who has not been named, suffered multiple injuries after he was assaulted near Dudley Leisure Centre in Dock Lane.

A passer-by found him lying in the street in the early hours yesterday.

He was taken to hospital where his condition was described as critical.

The detective leading the investigation said doctors were today hoping to rouse the teenager from an induced coma.

Detective Inspector Carl Southwick, from Harborne police station, said officers were keen to speak to the victim.

He said: “If anyone saw a group of black males loitering around Dock Lane between 6pm and midnight we would like to hear from them.”

DI Southwick said a 17-year-old from Smethwick has been arrested in connection with the assault.

Police are already questioning two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17. Another 16-year-old boy was arrested in Birmingham.
A number of roads were sealed off during rush hour while police searched for evidence.