A sports journalist who has been in a coma since being seriously injured in a street attack is now battling a lung infection.

Former Manchester Evening News and Lancashire Telegraph staffer Gary Carter has been in an induced coma since the assault in London earlier this month.

Gary, 35, who works as a freelance journalist covering rugby league, was found in the Bethnal Green area with serious head injuriues on 6 November.

He remains in a critical condition at the Royal London Hospital.

Gary, left, with wife Gemma

His wife Gemma told the MEN:  “He has now been diagnosed with a lung infection so I’m sure you can imagine, Gaz is extremely poorly.

“Throughout this however, he is continuing to fight hard but obviously remains in a critical condition.

The rugby league community has rallied round with the charity Rugby League Cares setting up a Just Giving page for Gary.

Salford Red Devils have also recorded a video message of support while the England players worse t-shirts emblazoned with ‘Keep Fighting Gaz’ before their final test against New Zealand.

A man has already admitted a charge of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack.

James Flanagan, 35, from Kentish Town pleaded guilty when he appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court.