UPDATED:  1.50PM The man who was left in a critical condition after being beaten by five others in central Auckland this morning is now in a stable condition.  

The 21-year-old has serious head injuries from the assault, which happened on the corner of Albert Street and Wyndham Street at around 2.30am.

Detective Inspector Hayden Mander says police are anxious to hear from anyone who saw what happened.

"We understand there were quite a few people around socialising from local bars, so there's every chance that people would have seen this assault happen," he said.  

Anyone who can help is asked to call the Crime Squad on 302 6557.