Witnesses sought after man seriously injured in downtown Vancouver assault

Vancouver police are asking witnesses to come forward after a man was seriously injured in an apparent unprovoked assault downtown late Thursday night.

The Vancouver Police Department said a couple was returning to their hotel from a concert at about 11:45 p.m. near Nelson and Richards streets when an unknown man approached from behind and allegedly punched one of them in the face.

The victim fell, struck his head on the pavement and was taken to hospital with serious injuries, police said. The suspect fled toward Granville Street.

Police describe the suspect as a medium-build man aged about 20 to 35 and between five foot five and five foot eight. He was reportedly wearing fingerless gloves. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video from the area is asked to contact the VPD.