Man in grave condition after alleged assault in downtown pub

Police say a 62-year-old man is in hospital in grave condition after he was assaulted Friday night in a busy downtown Vancouver pub.

After being hit, the man fell to the floor of the Fountainhead Pub on the 1000 block of Davie Street and sustained serious head injuries, police said.

A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for allegedly striking the man after the two had an exchange of words.

"As they made their way closer to the door, the young man then struck the 62-year-old in the face," said Const. Jana McGuinness. "We’re not exactly sure at this point what precipitated the assault."

Police say the suspect, Shawn Woodward, 35, has been co-operating with investigators. His first court appearance is March 20.

Police say the two men did not know each other.