An elderly man was critically ill in hospital last night after a suspected attack in Hamilton.

The 70-year-old victim was found lying on the sidewalk, breathing but unresponsive, outside Washington Mall, on Reid Street, at about 11.30am yesterday.

Police said he had fallen to the ground after another man allegedly struck him in the face following a verbal altercation.

He had already been taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital by ambulance by the time police arrived at the scene. He was listed as critical in the Intensive Care Unit last night.

Police asked for help tracking down the suspect, who was described as black, 6ft to 6ft 3in, tall and slim.

He was wearing a long white-sleeved jacket over a black hoodie, black pants, white socks and black sneakers. He was carrying a black backpack.

Anyone with information should call police on 295-0011.