Caretaker Philip Gray, who was brutally battered round the head with his own broom, is showing signs of life.

Mr Gray, 54, who is in a critical condition in hospital, squeezed a hand and nodded.

Mr Gray was attacked as he worked in Brighton Square in The Lanes, Brighton, at 7am on October 1.

He staggered to the front of the Druid's Head pub where he was found in a pool of blood.

He has been unconscious in the intensive care unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, since he was admitted with a fractured skull.

His wife, Margaret, 53, is holding a vigil by his hospital bed.

Detective Inspector Fiona Grant, heading Operation Ignition, said: "Mr Gray has shown signs of response but he is still unconscious and very seriously ill. We are all hoping he will recover."

Ms Grant said police were no further forward in tracing people in the area where Mr Gray was attacked and she urged anyone with information to come forward.

The Lanes Traders Association and other local businesses, with whom Mr Gray had worked for more than 20 years, contributed £5,000 to add to a £10,000 reward from Sussex Police for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the attack.

People in the area at or around the time of the attack should call Brighton police station on 0845 6070999.