A Maltese man is expected to be accused of trying to murder a Tunisian who was found unconscious in Birżebbuġa early on Sunday morning.

Riadh Mrad is fighting for his life after receiving severe head injuries. The 31-year-old from Marsaxlokk was discovered a few minutes after 2am lying on the ground in Triq il-Bajja is-Sabiħa.

He was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital where he was found to be in a critical condition.

Victim is fighting for his life in Mater Dei Hospital

Footage from a nearby security camera was examined by experts.

Sources said about five men were seen attacking Mr Mrad and then running away.

The victim has not yet been able to speak to officers.

Police said a Maltese man was helping their investigations and the sources said he could be arraigned today.

A recent study by criminologist Saviour Formosa found such attacks increased by almost 13 per cent between 2012 and 2013, maintaining the growth experienced over the past five years.

Cases of bodily harm averaged three a day, which is consistent with the trend over the past nine years.