Man fighting for life after laneway assault

A young man is fighting for life after a serious assault in a city laneway near Adelaide’s popular nightclub strip, Hindley Street.

The man has been placed in an induced coma at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he's in a critical condition.

The victim is 21-year-old Chris Savelli, who was out with friends when the vicious attack happened.

Police say emergency services were called at 3.30am when he was found unconscious in a laneway.

The location in which he was found runs behind Hindley Street, between Register and Morphett streets.

“Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers,” a statement said.

Local traders told 9NEWS they were shocked by the violence, which is the latest in a string of ugly incidents along or near Hindley Street.