A man is in police custody following a violent assault in Lincoln last night, which left another man fighting for his life in hospital.

Police were called to Roberts Street about 11:40pm after reports of an attack near Educare Lincoln Village.

Detective James Loh said a 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is set to appear in Christchurch District Court today, facing an assault charge.

One resident, who didn’t want to be named, told Chris Lynch Media “it was a very gruesome.’’

The man, who did not see the assault, but was on the scene quickly and called the ambulance, waiting until St John arrived.

Emergency services responded, sending an ambulance and two rapid response vehicles to the scene.

A St John spokesman said paramedics treated one patient before rushing him to Christchurch Hospital.