FOUR people have been arrested on attempted murder charges over an assault in Charlton that left a man critically ill.

Three of them, a 24-year-old man, a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were arrested yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder.

And a 52-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit attempted murder.

They are all now in custody at a south London police station.

Their arrests came two days after a 49-year-old man was attacked directly outside Jennings bookmakers in Charlton Church Lane at about 7pm.

He had gone into the bookies at around 6.40pm, placed some bets and watched some races.

Shortly afterwards three people went into the betting shop before leaving and waiting outside.

The victim was headbutted by a man as he came out of the bookies and was knocked unconscious.

Two men then punched and kicked him repeatedly before running off.

The victim was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital, where he was said to be in a critical condition.

It is believed his condition may have stabilised since then.

Anyone with information about the incident should call the police on 020 8284 9430 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.