Man on life support after attack outside Bunbury’s Prince of Wales Hotel

A 43-year-old man is clinging to life in hospital and another man is in custody after an alleged altercation outside a Bunbury pub last night.

Police will allege the attack happened outside the Prince of Wales Hotel on Stephen Street just after 10.30pm.

During the altercation, both men fell to the ground before onlookers intervened the separate the men.

One of the men suffered life-threatening head injuries as a result of the fall and was rushed to the Bunbury Regional Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition on life-support.

Homicide squad detectives have arrested a 29-year-old man and police say he is helping them with their investigation.

No charges have been laid so far and police are desperately appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Police Minister Paul Papalia described the attack as a “horrible tragedy”.

“It’s incredibly wasteful when people, invariably through alcohol or other illicit drugs, do things that are just senseless and end up with people potentially losing their life,” he said.

Mr Papalia conceded it wasn’t “looking good” for the injured man.

“Homicide are down there investigating so it’s not going to be a good outcome,” he told 6PR.

“It’s so tragic — obviously for the victim but also for the perpetrator and everyone’s families involved.”

Premier Mark McGowan has urged people to just “turn the other cheek” and avoid fights in light of the incident, which he described as a “very, very shocking situation”.

“We’re all hoping for the best for this person,” Mr McGowan said.

“When you come out of a pub, nightclub or bar and you’ve had a few drinks, turn the other cheek and don’t get involved in a fight, if anything is happening go home.”

Detectives have urged witnesses, or anyone who saw the men before the fight, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

It is understood several people were outside the venue at the time.