A young graduate was fighting for life today after he was found lying in the road with mysterious head injuries.

Police are still unsure how Daniel May, 23, sustained his injuries when he was found on the A265 Burwash Road in Heathfield.

They are investigating whether he was struck in a hit-and-run smash or attacked before being found at 11.15pm on Sunday.

Mr May, of Longview, Heathfield, was taken by ambulance to the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

His injuries were so severe he was transferred to the Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre in Haywards Heath, which specialises in serious head injuries.

A spokesman said today he was critical but stable in the intensive care unit as his mother, father and sister keep a constant vigil.

Mr May, a former Heathfield Community College pupil, graduated this summer from Southampton University with a 2:1 degree in business management.

His friend Graeme Davidson, 23, said: "It's terrible. Everyone just wants to know what happened. He is one of the nicest blokes. We cannot believe anyone would harm him.

"I saw him that evening and find it hard to believe that just a short time later he ended up with such serious injuries."

Mr May sustained his injuries as he walked home after spending an evening with friends at the Crown pub in Burwash Road, Heathfield.

Friends are rallying round each other at the Crown, praying for more positive news on his condition.

Friend Andy Sands, 23, said: "There is not a person round here who isn't concerned. We all believe he will come through. He's a lovely guy and everyone is praying for him."

Police today appealed for help in tracing a car which was the first to find Mr May but which drove off before giving details to officers.

They also want to track occupants of another car parked in the junction near where Mr May was found.

Anyone with information should call Bexhill Traffic Police on 0845 6070999.