Security guard, 73, left in critical condition after savage attack at Stoke Forgings factory in Vine Street, Brierley Hill

West Midlands Police has launched an investigation after the guard was attacked by a man near an office inside Stokes Forgings, a metal factory in Vine Street, at about 1pm.

After discovering the man inside the factory, the guard was hit numerous times, leaving him with serious head injuries.

He was later discovered by a colleague who started work at about 7pm, which caused the factory unit to be sealed off by officers while forensic enquiries took place.

The security guard is now in a critical condition in hospital.

Detective Inspector Colin Mattinson, from Force CID, said: “This was a sustained and violent attack on an elderly man.

“We believe he challenged a man found inside the premises which led to the unprovoked attack taking place. The attacker then left the factory and the injured man was not discovered until five hours later.

“Enquiries are continuing and we are studying CCTV and carrying our forensic investigations at the scene. We are still trying to establish what the man was doing inside the premises and what, if anything was stolen.”

Anyone who saw anything on the Vine Street area yesterday, or anyone who has knowledge of the attack should call police on 101, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Local neighbourhood officers have also increased reassurance patrols in the area following the attack.