Rotherham man, 81, victim of 'brutal' attack Published duration 11 August 2015

image caption It is understood the 81-year-old was attacked on his way to a mosque

An 81-year-old man was "brutally attacked" while understood to be on his way to a mosque in Rotherham.

The man was assaulted between 03:00 BST and 04:00 BST on Monday in the area around Fitzwilliam Road and Mushroom Roundabout.

It is believed he was on his way to early morning prayers.

The victim suffered life-threatening head and facial injuries and is in a critical but stable condition, South Yorkshire Police said.

Det Sgt John Yoxall said: "The assault on this elderly and vulnerable man was brutal.

"There's little doubt that if the victim had not been found by officers this could have been a murder inquiry.

"I can assure the local community that all the necessary resources are being put into finding those responsible for this vicious assault."