Police are keeping “an open mind” as to how a man found in Battersea came to be seriously injured.

The man, a 59-year-old from Brixton, remains in a critical condition in hospital this morning.

The mystery began when the victim was found with a head injury outside Battersea Dogs Home, Battersea Park Road, about 10.14pm, Tuesday.

Police believe the man, who is 5ft 10 with greying hair, lives in the SW2 area and is believed to be single.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “We must retain an open mind at this stage re the circumstances of the incident and inquiries are under way to establish how he received the injury.”

Sergeant Harry Wilkinson, of Hampton Traffic Police, added: “It is unclear at present how the man came to be injured. Although he may have been the victim of a traffic collision, it is equally possible that he may have been the victim of an assault.

“The Collision Investigation Unit is working closely with colleagues from Wandsworth police, and it is essential that anyone who may have seen an incident near Battersea Dogs Home late on Tuesday evening come forward.”

Anyone with information should call police on 020 8941 9011 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.