A 34-year-old Pembroke man arrested in connection with a hammer attack on Wednesday has been released on bail.

A police spokesman yesterday confirmed that the man had been released “pending further inquiries”. The spokesman also urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The 18-year-old victim was knocked unconscious and received extensive head injuries in the attack on The Glebe Road, near the junction with St Monica’s Road in Pembroke at around 5.45pm.

Initially listed in a critical condition at King Edward II Memorial Hospital, his condition improved overnight and yesterday he was airlifted to a US hospital for further treatment.

Police believe the daylight attack took place after a “heated verbal altercation” escalated.

“Apparently the injured teenager attended the area with other young people to participate in antisocial behaviour organised through social media,” the spokesman said.

Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the at the time of the attack.

Anyone with any information should contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.