POLICE will today visit a man who was placed in a medically-induced coma after being found wandering the A66 with his penis cut off.

Officers visited the man in hospital yesterday morning (Friday, March 14) but were unable to carry out a detailed interview.

However, they are due to return to James Cook Hospital today.

The man was found "in a distressed state" staggering along the busy A66 at around 4.50am on Thursday morning, according to Cleveland Police.

A police spokeswoman said she was unable to confirm the identity of the victim or how he had come about his injuries.

It is believed that the incident could be connected to a traveller site near to the area of South Bank, Middlesbrough, where the man was found.

The dual carriageway was closed for several hours while they carried out a fingertip search of the road and grass verge for the missing organ. Afterwards, Cleveland Police declined to say if the penis had been recovered.

"Detectives continue to investigate how a man who was found on the A66 in the early hours of Thursday came by his serious injuries," a spokeswoman said today. "Officers are visiting him in hospital again today, Saturday, in the hope that he may be able to provide information.

"Anyone else with information which could help progress inquiries is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101."

The road closure caused severe tailbacks during the morning rush hour while the junctions between the Greystones Roundabout and Church Lane were sealed off by police cars or vans to enable officers to safely search the area.

A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any information or who may have witnessed the incident can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.