TWO teenagers have been arrested after a young man with learning difficulties was left fighting for his life following an apparently unprovoked attacked.

The boys, aged 16 and 17, were taken in for questioning after Brent Martin, 23, was found unconscious in Baxter Road, on the Town End Farm, Sunderland.

Mr Martin was attacked after leaving his mother's house on the estate on Thursday. A group of youths are believed to be responsible.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin, said: "He suffered a severe beating consistent with being kicked and punched over a period of time.

"Mr Martin is a vulnerable man who has learning difficulties. It is a very serious assault.

"Brent is critical in hospital and his consultant is telling us that he is not expected to survive the weekend.'' People living on Baxter Road reported seeing five youths - two wearing hoodies - assaulting a man before running off at about 10pm.

Det Supt Franklin said further arrests could be made soon and urged she people on the estate - which is said to have a comparatively low crime rate - to come forward with any information they have.

She said: "The quicker people come forward and help us with this investigation, the quicker we can get it resolved and people on their way to trial."

She also asked parents of teenagers to come forward if their children were acting strangely or suspiciously on Thursday night.

Mr Martin's attackers have been described as being aged 16 to 17, one with wavy blond collar-length hair, with a centre parting and a round face.

The second boy is said to be about 5ft 5in and to have short blond hair.

The third is described as having short, cropped, light-brown hair.

An incident room has been set up at Southwick Police Station and anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 08456-043043, extension 66333.

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.