A former regional press journalist is fighting for his life in a London hospital after a street attack left him with a severe brain injury.

Gary Carter, 35, from Stalybridge, is now in an induced coma following emergency surgery.

The freelance rugby writer was in London to cover England’s Rugby League test Match against New Zealand at the weekend.

Gary, pictured below with his wife Gemma, formerly worked in the syndication department of the Manchester Evening News and has also worked for the Lancashire Telegraph.

The MEN reported that he was attacked while walking back to his hotel folllowing a meal out in Bethnal Green, East London, in the early hours of Friday morning.

He underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain, and is now in an induced coma in the critical care unit of Royal London Hospital.

Gemma rushed to London to be by Gary’s side after being awoken by police officers at her Manchester home at 2.35am on Friday morning.

She has since received hundreds of messages of support from friends, family and the Rugby League community, including England manager Steve McNamara and players Sam Tomkins, Chev Walker and others.

Social worker Gemma told the MEN: “Doctors have told us to be prepared for any eventuality. I just need him to pull through.

“Gaz is the kindest, nicest man ever, he keeps himself to himself, he’s so chilled out. He’d never hurt anyone or say anything bad about anyone. I can’t imagine why anyone would do this.”

A 35-year-old man has been charged with grievous bodily harm following an incident on Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green at 1am on Friday.

A 22-year-old man was arrested for ‘affray and was bailed to attend Bethnal Green police station in late November.