2 March 2012 Last updated at 11:07 ET

Daniel Whiteley assault: Two men and woman arrested

Daniel Whiteley is studying English at the University of Manchester

Three people have been arrested over an attack on a student in Manchester who was found in a ditch with multiple injuries to his head and body.

Daniel Whiteley, 19, from the Barnsley area, was found in the city's Platt Fields Park on Tuesday.

Police have arrested an 18-year-old woman and two men, aged 21 and 26, on suspicion of attempted murder.

Mr Whitely remains critically ill in hospital where he underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries.

Police now believe he could have been involved in an altercation at the Krunchy Fried Chicken takeaway on Wilmslow Road, opposite Owens Park, between 02:00 and 03:30.

Det Insp Terry Crompton, from Longsight CID, said: "We have now received new information about Daniel's whereabouts that morning.

"If you were in the Plattfields Park or the surrounding area on Monday night or Tuesday morning and saw or heard anything you think may be linked to this case, then please get in touch with us."

The first-year English student was rescued from the ditch embankment by emergency services who had received reports that he was in water in a drainage route.