FELIXSTOWE: Forensic teams will today begin examining evidence gathered at the scene of a horrific assault on Felixstowe seafront which has left a man seriously ill in hospital.

Police have arrested three men – all understood to be working at the resort as scaffolders on a development project – and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the incident.

The attack happened as the men left Felixstowe Snooker Club, Sea Road, at about 10pm on Sunday.

It is understood there was an argument over something which quickly turned into a fight.

Five police cars and two ambulances attended the scene.

The 49-year-old victim – who has not been named – suffered a head injury in the beating and was knocked unconscious.

He was still unconscious when he arrived at Ipswich Hospital and after initial examinations by doctors, the decision was taken to transfer him by ambulance to a specialist centre at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge.

Last night he was described as being in a serious condition.

Barry Williment, of Family Amusements, which owns the first-floor snooker club above the arcade on the seafront, said the men involved in the fight, who are understood to be staying at the nearby Marlborough Hotel, had been in the club drinking during the evening, as had been a number of regular club members and snooker players.

“The trouble happened as they were leaving and the incident actually took place outside our premises and started apparently as they were going down the stairs,” he said.

“We understand one man got hurt quite badly.

“Our staff were not involved though we did call the police and ambulance service and they both reacted very quickly indeed.”

Police have taken the CCTV footage from inside the club to see if it shows any of the lead-up to the incident, and officers closed the club yesterday while forensic staff worked at the scene.

Three men – a 37-year-old from London, a 24-year-old from London and a 28-year-old of no fixed abode – were arrested on suspicion of assault at the scene last night.

They have now been released on bail until October 26.

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call Suffolk Police on 01473 613500.