POLICE are continuing to hold a 27-year-old man from Andover following an attack outside the town's Tesco Extra store earlier this week.

Hampshire Constabulary successfully applied for a warrant of further detention to continue to hold the man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

But three other people, an 18-year-old man, a 28-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman, all from Andover, have been released on bail pending further enquiries. They had been taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A 62-year-old Tesco employee was left with life-threatening head injuries on Thursday night after the attack outside the River Way store.

He remains in hospital, police have confirmed.

A fundraiser set up by an Andover resident for the victim has so far raised more than £400.

What is a warrant of further detention?

When an arrest is made, police can hold the suspect for 24 hours before they must decide if they want to release or charge the person.

But this can be extended to 36 hours if a police officer with the rank of superintendent or above decides it is necessary to to secure or preserve evidence, to continue questioning the suspect to obtain further evidence, and that the investigation is being conducted diligently.

After this time, police can apply to the Magistrates Court for an initial warrant of further detention under s.43(1) Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) for a further period of up to 36 hours.

They can make another application for a warrant of further detention under s.44(1) PACE for a further 36 hours’ detention.

But a suspect cannot be detained for more than 96 hours without charge.