The 18-year-old was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital after the fight broke out on Foregate Street in the early hours of Monday.

The scene of the incident, outside the Zavvi music store and Marks and Spencer on Foregate Street, was cordoned off until midday.

A police spokesman said: "At 2.30am on Monday, May 5, a fight broke out involving a number of men.

"As a result an 18-year-old man was taken to the Countess of Chester with head injuries, where he has been detained."

Police are keen to talk to two men they believe can help them with their investigations.

The first man is described as white, in his 20s and is between 6ft 3ins and 6ft 4ins tall.

He is described as being muscular with dark straight hair and a fringe. It is believed he was wearing a black T-shirt, black and white scarf, dark jeans and pointed shoes.

The second man is also white, in his 20s and is about 6ft 1in tall.

Police described him as having light brown hair and wearing a skin-tight white T-shirt, blue jeans and pointed shoes.

Police are also appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have captured the footage on mobile phones to come forward.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who recognises these men from the descriptions given or from them if they recognise the description of themselves," the spokesman said.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have mobile phone footage to contact police investigating the incident."

Anyone with information can contact DC Mike Beamish on 01244 613150 or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.