Two teenage boys have been charged after an attack in a Ballina street has left a man in a critical condition.
About 1.30am on Saturday, a 43-year-old man walking along Cherry Street saw four youths fighting in the street.
Police allege that the man became involved in altercation with two of them. Soon after he was found lying unconscious on the road and bleeding from the head.
The man was taken to Gold Coast Hospital, where he is undergoing surgery for head trauma and a possible fractured spine. He is reported to be in a critical and unstable condition.
Police arrested two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, nearby a short time after the incident.
The teenagers, both from Ballina, have been charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, entering a dwelling with intent, and affray.
They were refused bail and faced Parramatta Bail Court via video link yesterday.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Ballina detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.