SARATOV, March 5 (RIA Novosti) - The managing director of a media company in the southern Russian city of Saratov, who was attacked late on Thursday, is still in a coma in hospital, a colleague said on Friday.

Unknown assailants attacked Vadim Rogozhin in the entrance to his apartment building as he returned home from work. His colleagues say the attack was linked to his professional activities. Rogozhin, 38, was known for his investigative articles into abuse of office by local officials and security bodies.

The journalist, who received at least ten blows to his head, underwent several operations overnight, but failed to regain consciousness. He is connected to a respirator.

His colleagues, who visited him in hospital, said his condition was reported to be serious but stable. "Several hours of surgery was carried out overnight, and doctors are continuing to fight for his life," they said.

"Vadim has severe bruising, and cuts to the head; doctors consider his condition to be serious," said Nikolai Lykov, editor-in-chief of the Vzglyad news portal, earlier on Friday.

Rogozhin heads the Vzglyad media holding, which comprises an internet news portal and a newspaper.

Local police said they were looking for two suspects. Police specialists have created a photo fit image of one of the wanted men.