The unnamed 34-year-old was found unconscious outside a bar in the town of Burlington, Vermont.

It is understood that he suffered a head injury in the early hours of Saturday morning and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Police have launched an appeal for information about two men who appear on CCTV footage with the victim prior to him being hurt.

The Foreign Office in London confirmed to the Tele today that officials had been made aware of the situation.

A spokesman said: "We can confirm the hospitalisation of a British national following an incident in Vermont on 16 August.

"We are providing consular assistance."

*Do you know the injured man? If so, contact the Tele newsdesk on 558904