The family of a "gentle father" have appealed to help identify those who left him fighting for his life. On Valentine's Day the victim, named John, was discovered unconscious in Clarendon Park, Salford, after being badly beaten.
He remains in hospital with life-changing injuries and his family say the attack has made him "a shell of a person". A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on March 2nd. He has been released on bail.
But today, almost a month since he was brutally assaulted on February 14th John's family have asked for help to bring him justice. Officers continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry and appeal to members of public for information and ask that anyone who may have been in the area, or saw anything suspicious, to please come forward.
In a statement the victim's family said: “On Tuesday 14 February, our family’s life was tragically changed forever. Our loving, caring, gentle father, who was loved by all in his community for his huge smile and cheeky demeanour, was the victim of a senseless and cowardly attack.
“Nearing 60 years of age, this brutal attack has left him with life changing injuries and has altered the lives of all our family forever. We were used to seeing our dad full of energy, the life and soul of the party. This attack has made him a shell of a person and all we can do is witness him deteriorate right before our eyes.
“We’re appealing to anyone who knows anything to please come forward. It’s been almost a month since the attack, and we just want justice for our father. Someone out there has information that could be vital to the investigation.
“Please, if you know anything, we ask that you come forward today. This could have happened to anyone, anyone’s dad, son or brother. We need your help to bring the person who shattered our whole family to be brought to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or through the LiveChat function on www.gmp.police.uk quoting log number 1218 of 14/02/23. Alternatively, details can be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
