THIS is the “loveable giant” who was brutally attacked in the street while walking his dog.

Brendan McKelvey, aged 49, was left fighting for his life after being found lying across the pavement in Chorley Old Road with his Patterdale terrier dog, Pip.

He was attacked at some point before 2am on Friday, July 25, near to the junction with Chorley New Road.

Police remain desperate for any witnesses to either the attack, or Mr McKelvey’s movements prior to the incident, to come forward.

Matthew McKelvey, Mr McKelvey’s brother, said: “Brendan is a fun, caring, loveable giant who would do absolutely anything for anyone.

“He is well liked and loved by all his friends and family who he lives for, as well as his pet dog Pip and his lifelong passion, fishing.”

Mr McKelvey has undergone surgery on a head injury.

Mr McKelvey, from Hunger Hill, was seen at about 1.15am near Bark Street in Bolton town centre.

Det Insp Andy Cunliffe said: “He had property on him. It doesn’t appear to have been a robbery, but it doesn’t mean it wasn’t an attempted robbery.

"It could have been a random attack. Someone could have taken offence at him and thumped him.”

Anyone with information about the incident or Mr McKelvey's route before he was attacked can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.