Portobello Road market stallholders have voiced their shock after a Paddington man was found unconscious in the famous road after suffering a severe brain injury - which could kill him.

Paul Elliott, 36, was found with a broken jaw and head injury outside the Balkan Bar, in Portobello Road. He remains in a critical condition in hospital following the discovery of a severe brain injury.

Adam Anafa, who owns a fruit and vegetable stall in Portobello Road just outside the Balkan Bar, said: "I was told about it when I came into work the next morning, and I couldn't believe something like this would happen. Of course there are fights in pubs all the time, but nothing this serious around here."

Omar Ali, of the Happy Vegetarian stall, added: "I've been working here for six months, and nothing like this has happened before."

Police officers returned to the scene last week to distribute posters and leaflets to the community. The bar has remained closed since the attack, which happened at around 12.35am on November 28.

A spokesman for the bar was unavailable for comment.