Larry Haifa was operated on at the Royal Melbourne Hospital just before 2pm.

The 23-year-old had been in a critical condition with massive head injuries after being bashed by up to five men in Dean Street about 1.30am on Thursday.

Relative Tyrone Russell-Smith said doctors tried to remove a piece of Mr Haifa’s skull to reduce swelling on his brain.

Most of Mr Haifa’s family, including his parents, Mario and Jamal, and his two sisters, had been at his side since soon after the attack.

Mr Russell-Smith, who is the brother-in-law of Mr Haifa’s uncle, Sam Haifa, said the horrific ordeal had taken its toll on the large, tight-knit Lebanese family at Christmas.

“Usually the whole family gets together on Christmas Eve — there’s a whole heap of them,” he said.

“But nothing has happened; no Christmas.

“They’re all down there at the hospital.”

Police found Mr Haifa lying in Dean Street soon after he was refused entry to the Roi bar for missing the 1.30am lock-out.

Detectives reviewing CCTV footage believe Mr Haifa had been attacked by a group, falling to the ground and hitting his head.

Paramedics took him to Albury Base Hospital before Mr Haifa was flown to Melbourne.

Police secured a crime scene, sealing off Dean Street between David and Olive streets until 11am on Christmas Eve.

The footpath and nearby stores around the Roi were also taped off as forensic services examined the scene.

Mr Haifa worked in Mario’s West Albury Take Away, in Pemberton Street, while his family also operates Lavington eateries Jan’s Cafe, in Wagga Road, and DJ’s Pizza, in McDonald Road.

Inspector John Wads-worth, of Albury police, said the timing of the attack was especially distressing.

“It’s a very traumatic event for this young fellow, and the family of this young fellow, leading into Christmas,” he said.

Police had still made no arrests yesterday but had identified a number of people of interest.

Insp Wadsworth appealed for anyone with more information about the attack to contact Albury police on (02) 6023 9299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mr Haifa’s assault was the second violent episode in a bloody few hours in Albury streets.

A man also suffered head injuries after an altercation at the corner of Smollett and Macauley streets about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

That man was also flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.