THREE men have been arrested after a "violent assault" in Stretford which has left a man in a critical condition.

Police were called to a disturbance at the Melville Hotel, located at the junction of Melville Road and Barton Road, at about 8.30pm last night.

Emergency services attended the incident.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in a critical condition, police said.

A police investigation was launched and a cordon was established outside the hotel last night. Forensics were also working at the scene.

Three men, aged 52, 39 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault. They all remain in custody for questioning.

The cordon has now been lifted but there will be an increased police presence in the area to reassure members of the public.

Officers said their enquiries are ongoing.

Det Serg Phil Bainbridge, of Greater Manchester Police’s Trafford district, said: "This was a violent incident which has left a man fighting for his life and our thoughts are very much with him and his family at this difficult time.

"There was a scene in place at the Melville Hotel whilst investigation and forensic work was carried out, but this cordon has since been lifted. There will however remain a higher police presence in the area over the next few days. Our officers are there to provide a visible presence — please, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak to them.

"Whilst we have three men in custody, our enquiries are very much ongoing and I would implore anyone who has any information that may assist our enquiries to please get in touch with officers.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3283, quoting incident number 2209 of April 12, 2019.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.