Renewed appeal to assault which left man temporarily blind in one eye

The victim had been on a night out with friends but became separated from them during the early hours of Monday 1st April.

Although it was initially thought he had been at a pub in the town centre, he is now understood to have been at The Coach in Ditherington Road, which he left at about 12.30am to walk towards the railway station.

Shortly afterwards, he was assaulted by a group of up to six men, who dragged him to the ground where he was kicked repeatedly in the head, chest and back before the offenders ran off.

He was picked up by a family member at about 1.15am and taken home but later admitted to the Princess Royal Hospital for treatment to extensive bruising and a head injury, which has affected his sight and left him temporarily unable to see out of one eye.

Detective Constable Sarah Smither said the victim did not have much memory of what happened or exactly where he was attacked but it may have taken place close to the new housing estate at Spring Gardens.

“However, we are keeping an open mind as the attack could have happened anywhere along Ditherington Road or St Micheal’s Street, between the pub the victim had left and the railway station,” she added.

“Fortunately, while serious, he is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries and recover his sight.

“If anybody saw or heard a disturbance in the Ditherington area during the early hours of that morning or who might have seen a group of men during the relevant time, please contact police on 101.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who might have seen the victim, who is white, in his early 20s, of average build and was wearing blue jeans, a white striped shirt and a blue hooded jacket, in order to help us establish where the assault took place.”

Information can also be passed on anonymously via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, where a reward is sometimes offered.