Tamaqua police are investigating an alleged assault on a homeless man that occurred in a section of woods north of the Tamaqua borough line.

Around 10 a.m. Wednesday, emergency responders were dispatched when someone called 911 after seeing an unconscious man lying on the ground behind the Tamaqua Train Station. When police and ambulance arrived, they noticed a motionless man lying faceup and bleeding from the back of his head. The man, identified as William "Bill" Patton, 48, who's last known address was on Center Street in Tamaqua, was treated by paramedics and then life-flighted to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township for head, back and neck injuries.Patton, who is homeless on occasion, told bystanders and police that four young men had jumped him at his tented campsite in the woods north of the Schickram's Car Wash around 11 o'clock the night before.Immediately after Patton was life-flighted, police officers were seen gathering evidence at the makeshift campsite.Responding in addition to police, were Tamaqua and Lehighton ambulances.Police encourage anyone with information concerning this incident to call investigating Officer Michael Hobbs at (570) 668-5000.