Dad scarred for life by 'racist' thugs says he is unemployable

Reece Johnson, aged 26, needed nearly 70 stitches in his face when he was slashed on the left side of his face while he was walking with his then five-year-old son.

The attack happened in May 2010 near to the entrance of Bobby Heywood Park in Great Lever.

Mr Johnson, from Breightmet, was attacked by a gang of about 20 thugs who he believes were seeking revenge after the death of teenager Seffar Khan.

The 19-year-old died in the same park in November, 2007.

Since the attack Mr Johnson has been unable to get a job.

Mr Johnson said: “I have sent out more than 100 CVs. I want to work, I want to help support my four kids.

“Not being able to get a job is really starting to bother me. I seem to be going round and round looking for jobs.

“My scar is right across my left cheek and down my neck. When I have had interviews I have explained how I got my scar and people interviewing me have said ‘it’s not up to us to judge you’ but that’s how I feel.

“My scar makes me self-conscious sometimes as people look at me. Adults sometimes stare at me until they notice I am looking back at them.”

Mr Johnson said it took him nearly a year to get over the attack and feel ready to return to work.

He is desperate for employment and is willing to work anywhere but said he is best suited to manual labour jobs.

“I used to do a lot of laying tarmac. I want to do some graft, labouring work, something active.”

Mr Johnson, who has three boys aged eight, six, four and a daughter, aged one-and-a-half, had been returning from a day out in Blackpool with his son when he was attacked.

Medical staff told Mr Johnson that if the blade had continued another few millimetres then it would have hit his jugular vein.

A 16-year-old was arrested in connection with the attack but later released without charge. Nobody has ever been charged.

Anyone who can give Mr Johnson a job can call him on 07983 021042 or email reecejohnson51@gmail.com