A MAN found with serious head injuries next to a bridge in York remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Lendal Bridge and Dame Judi Dench Walk were cordoned off by police for several hours on Friday, after a 25-year-old man was found injured at about 3am.

The man, who has not yet been named but is believed to be from London, was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary, where he remains in a critical condition.

Police appealed to the public to report any sightings of the man prior to his injuries, in an effort to find out what happened to him.

Anyone who witnessed anything that could help police is asked to phone 101, select option 1 and speak to the Force Control Room, quoting reference 12170027352.

Sheets of tarpaulin had been covering the pavement and steps until Sunday night, with a patch of blood visible under the sheet on the pavement.

The bridge over the River Ouse was originally closed to traffic on Friday morning, causing traffic congestion, and with First York diverting their services, but the bridge reopened to vehicles at 11.45 am.

Pedestrians crossing the bridge and finding their paths blocked were helped to cross the busy road by police.

Police said on Friday that the 25-year-old London man was in a critical condition at Leeds General Infirmary, and there has been no update on his condition since then.

A forensics officer in a white suit arrived at the scene in the late morning on Friday and examined the steps leading down to Dame Judi Dench Walk.

Forensics were seen photographing the bridge area.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said a man had suffered serious head injuries and was taken to the Leeds General Infirmary by paramedics.

Anyone who was in the area at about 3am is urged to contact York Serious Crime Team urgently on 101.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police attended the scene at 3.03am Friday 17 February, where a man had been found with serious injuries at the bottom of the steps on Dame Judi Dench Walk, Lendal Bridge in York.

"The 25-year-old man from London has been taken to LGI where he remains in a critical condition."

Anyone who witnessed anything that could help police is asked to phone 101, select option 1 and speak to the Force Control Room. Quote reference 12170027352.