TWO old friends found unconscious behind a Radcliffe church may have knocked out each other in a fight.

Mr Roy Ashley and Mr Frank Tillott, both in their 50s, were found with serious head injuries after ambulance crews were called out to New Church Court. They followed a trail of blood to the unconscious pair.

Detectives are keeping an open mind on the attack, and are investigating the involvement of a third party.

But one theory they have been unable to rule out is that they were involved in a punch-up between themselves.

The incident happened behind St Thomas's Church in the early hours of Tuesday.

Both men were taken to Fairfield General Hospital by paramedics and then transferred to separate intensive care units in Rochdale and Oldham.

Fifty-four-year-old Mr Ashley and Mr Tillott (58) are both said to be in a stable condition.

Detective Inspector Simon Collier of Whitefield CID said: "It is still unclear exactly what happened and how the men came by such serious head injuries.

"It is important that we speak to anyone who may have witnessed what happened, as well as anyone who saw the two victims earlier in the evening.

"At the moment we have no clear motive for the attack and any information, no matter how insignificant could be vital."

However, he added: "A woman contacted police reporting that men were fighting in New Church Court before Mr Ashley and Mr Tillott were discovered.

"There is a possibility the injuries they suffered were caused by the pair fighting each other.

"Until we have a proper chance to speak to the pair I am keeping an open mind and we will continue to investigate a third party involvement in this assault."

Police cordoned off New Church Street and New Church Court to allow forensic specialists to examine the area where the two assault victims were found

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.