Man found critically hurt in NSW street

A young man has been found lying in a Newcastle street with serious head injuries and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The 23-year-old man was found unconscious in Hunter Street, Newcastle, about 12.40am on Saturday and is in a critical condition in John Hunter Hospital.

Police believe he was with friends earlier in the night, but was refused entry to a hotel on King Street.

A man was reportedly seen running along the roof of a building nearby shortly before the 23-year-old man was found injured in the street and police are investigating if it was the same person.