NSW man critical after being king-hit

A man is in a critical condition after being king-hit and hitting a cement driveway after being awoken by a commotion outside his house in northern NSW.

His alleged attacker has been arrested after being tracked down by the police dog squad.

Police say a 37-year-old man was confronted by a group of four men in east Lismore about 1am on Sunday, after he was woken by the sound of voices and smashing bottles.

After heading outside he was allegedly punched to the ground by one of the men, before the group fled.

Police arrested a 38-year-old man at a nearby home.

He has been charged with cause grievous bodily harm with intent and refused bail to re-appear in Lismore court on Monday.

The injured man was treated by paramedics before being transported to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.