Coronation Street fans see Craig Tinker’s life hang in the balance next week after he’s involved in a brutal attack – and has to be rushed to hospital.

Exactly who or what is responsible for this incident is a mystery, but as his condition deteriorates, it’s obvious someone on the cobbles has blood on their hands…

“Putting your own safety on the line is part of being on the force,” points out our Corrie insider. “But Craig is about to realise just how dangerous this job can be…”

The drama begins as eager PC Tinker prepares for what should be one of the most exciting days of his career, shadowing DC Kit Green as part of his CID placement.

Not only that, Craigy has arranged a date with a lady he met online for that evening, hoping to inject his non-existent love life with some much-needed romance.

Unfortunately, preoccupied Kit has too much going on with Mick Michaelis to play teacher, and ignores Craig when he’s supposed to be showing him the ropes, leaving his trainee feeling flat.

“He offloads to Lisa about how deflated he is,” reveals our source. “DS Swain gives Craig a boost as she urges him to prove himself to Kit. And he gets the opportunity sooner than he thinks!”

The police station receives reports of a disturbance. Wanting to show he’s ready for more responsibility, keen Craig races to the scene – but the scary situation swiftly escalates…

“The next time we see Craig he’s lying on the ground and covered in blood,” our insider continues.

“Maria explains to stunned Swain how she found him in this sorry state, although she has no idea what happened. The only thing they know is that Craig needs urgent medical attention.”

An ambulance arrives and Asha Alahan assesses the damage on her frightened friend. Confused Craig struggles to recall what went on and slips into unconsciousness, before being loaded into an ambulance.

Craig is rushed straight into intensive care, where doctors quickly determine the patient has swelling on the brain as a result of the unclear altercation.

Craig eventually wakes up and tells Asha he remembers what happened.

Police officer Jess Haywood is called to her colleague’s bedside, ready to take a full statement about who else was involved – just as Craig’s condition takes a turn for the worse…

“The whole street is on pins awaiting news on Craig,” our source shares. “Lisa finally gets a call from Jess with an update. But what does she reveal?”

What Lisa learns sends shockwaves across the cobbles, and the locals attempt to come to terms with the horrifying events that have torn the community apart.

Sally, Tim, Chesney and Gemma are among those leaning on each other for support in light of the dramatic developments.

But it’s Kirk who has the toughest task of all, as he gears up to call Craig’s absent mum Beth to tell her what has happened to her beloved son…