Homeless man attacked in Cape Breton

A 48-year-oldhomeless man suffered severe head injuries in an attack late Monday, in North Sydney, N.S.

Just before midnight, Cape Breton Regional Police were called to the parking lot of the local Atlantic Superstore after staff found the injured man.

He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and was transferred to a Halifax hospital Tuesday morning.

The man lived in a tent with his dog. He was beaten up near his camp, located 200 metres along a dirt path near the grocery store. The SPCA is caring for his dog.

Chris Clarke, 12, knows the man, whose name has not been released by police.

"He wasn't a bad person. He was a nice guy, very polite. I don't know why someone would do something like that," he said Tuesday.

"It makes me feel disgusted,because Idon't understand why someone would do something like that to a nice person and it's not right."

Desiree Vassallo ofCape Breton Regional Police said officers are seeking the attacker or attackers.

"The victim received very serious head injuries and is in critical condition and has been transported to Halifax for further assessment and treatment," she said.

Anyone with information about what happened to the man is asked to contact police at (902) 563-5151 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).