An 18-year-old man has been arrested after a street brawl left another male fighting for life in Chelmsford.
Essex Police said the victim, in his 50s, was punched before collapsing and striking his head on the pavement just before midnight on Friday.
It was further established a second male had been assaulted.
Officers were called to the scene and tracked a suspect through the city’s CCTV system some 20 minutes later.
The teenager, from Billericay, was detained on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. On Sunday, police charged him with two offences.
Detective Sergeant Paul Olney said the victim - who suffered a serious head injury - is in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
The other man suffered injuries which are not life-threatening or life-changing.
Det Sgt Olney added: “We ensured a swift and robust response to this incident and our inquiries are continuing.
“A man remains in a serious condition in hospital and our priority is establishing exactly what happened in the moments before, during and after this incident.
“His family are being supported.
“We believe there may have been a number of people passing or in the area at the time of this assault.”
Luca Tracey, 18, of St Agnes Road, Billericay, will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday accused of grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Essex Police urged anyone with information to contact the force via 101.
