A man is fighting for his life after being viciously beaten by a gang in Londonderry.

The 38-year-old man was walking through John's Street in the city at about 2040 BST on Thursday when he was chased by a gang of eight or nine people.

They caught up with him and then carried out a vicious assault.

The victim sustained serious head injuries in the attack and is being treated in the city's Altnagelvin Hospital.

Detectives said they had not yet established a motive.

Police are anxious to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the assault, which they believe was carried out by both men and women.

Two men are currently helping them with their inquiries.