TWO men are in hospital with severe head injuries following separate attacks in the same street.

Police were called to two assaults on Yorkshire Street, in Oldham town centre, within about two hours of each other early on Sunday.

In the first, near Cuba Cuba bar, at about 12.30am, they found a 26-year-old man who had been punched to the ground and suffered fractures to his head, jaw and face. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The attacker was about 20 to 30, white, stocky and over 6ft.

At about 2.45am, police were called to Baillies Wine Bar, following reports that an 18-year-old man had been hit with a bottle. The teenager suffered a fractured skull and was taken to hospital. His condition is also described as stable. Police have no description of his attacker.

Det Sgt Liz Hopkinson, of Oldham CID, said: "Two men have received extremely nasty injuries as a result of two assaults in the town centre.

"I would like to reassure residents we are following a number of strong lines of inquiry to identify those responsible so they can be held accountable for their totally unacceptable actions."

Detectives are urging anyone who witnesses either of the attacks or has information to contact Oldham CID on 0161 856 8965 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.