A vulnerable man with severe learning disabilities was brutally attacked with an 18-inch pink metal bar in Wigan on Saturday.
The 32-year-old victim was battered around the head five times and sustained a large cut to his eye socket in a field at the back of Crawford Avenue on the Shakerley Estate in Tyldesley.
The altercation occurred after the man and his friend went to contact the occupants of a house on the street before he was then chased onto the field where he was subjected to a frenzied attack.
Detective Constable Lee Jamieson said: “This man, who suffers from learning difficulties, was subjected to a sustained and repeated barrage at the hands of his assailant.
“He was struck five times with a metal bar and needed a dozen stitches to close a nasty wound. In some ways, he is lucky his injuries were not more serious because he already has a metal plate in his head from an old injury he sustained as a child.”
After the assault, which occurred between 3.30pm and 4pm, the man was rushed to hospital for treatment. Police are now appealing to anyone who knew anything about the attack to come forward.
The merciless thug armed with the weapon was said to be white, 5ft 10in tall, of a slim build, with brown hair and wearing a blue T-shirt.
Detective Constable Jamieson said: “Our investigation is now focused on establishing the circumstances leading up to this assault and what motivated the offender and those who participated in the chase, to commit such a dreadful act.
“That is why I am appealing to anyone who has information about this attack to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7225 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps with thanks
