A major police investigation has been launched after a man was found seriously injured in a Carlisle city centre street.

Police believe that the man, in his 50s, was assaulted.

The unnamed victim was discovered by police officers just after 1.30am today near to the Gallaghers pub in Botchergate.

His injuries were considered so serious that he was transferred from the Cumberland Infirmary to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for more specialist treatment.

His identify has not yet been made public but police are appealing for anybody who can throw light on how he was hurt to get in touch.

They particularly want to hear from potential witnesses who may have been in the Botchergate area at around the time when the man was injured or found.

As people arrived in the Botchergate area of the city for work this morning, they were confronted by a strong police presence, with the area around the popular Irish themed pub cordoned off.

Police vehicles were parked nearby.

Two police community support officers stood guard next to the cordon this morning as shocked residents and workers looked on.

The blue and white police tape sealed off a 25-metre stretch of Princess Street, just off Botchergate.

A cobbled street, Princess Street links Botchergate to Lancaster Street.

Police are today likely to be trawling through CCTV camera images from the area from last night and early this morning as they hunt for clues for how the man came to be injured.

Some residents were visibly shocked as they emerged from their homes.

One woman who lives near to the scene of the alleged attack said: “I didn’t hear anything last night or this morning. I came out to go to work and saw the cordon and I couldn’t believe it.”

After being told that a man was seriously injured, she said: “It’s awful, it really is. I just hope he gets better.”

Shamal Abdul, who works at the Leo Mini Market on Botchergate, said: “When I came in at about 7am the road [Botchergate] was closed.

“I asked the police what had happened but they couldn’t tell me anything. I don’t know what went on.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and ask to speak to an officer from North Cumbria CID. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.