DETECTIVES probing an attack which left a Farnworth dog walker in a coma are investigating whether a second assault may be linked to it.

A 32-year-old man had to have surgery on a serious head injury after he was hit over the head in Begonia Avenue at about midnight on Friday.

The victim, who managed to struggle home with his brown pet Labrador, was taken to Salford Royal Hospital at 4pm the next day after his condition deteriorated.

It is understood that police have been approached by a second man claiming to have been assaulted in Farnworth last Friday night.

At this stage it is not known whether the two attacks are linked.

The first victim, who lives in Harper Green Road, round the corner from where he was attacked, remains in hospital.

Police have so far made no arrests in relation to the attack, which they have described as "vicious" and "unprovoked".

Before the victim of the Begonia Avenue attack lost consciousness, he managed to get a glimpse of his attacker.

He told family that the man was tall and bald.

The victim's condition is still described as serious but stable, and he remains heavily sedated, but it is believed it has improved.

His niece, who did not want to be named, described her uncle's condition as "touch and go" to The Bolton News in the aftermath of the attack.

The man was spotted lying in the road in Begonia Avenue by a passer-by who phoned for an ambulance at 12.02am, The Bolton News has learned.

But after thinking the victim was intoxicated, the ambulance was stood down when the man managed to get to his feet, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has confirmed.

Det Sgt Craig Cuthbert, based at Farnworth, said: “I now want to hear from anyone who may have information on what happened. Did you hear or see anything unusual in or around Begonia Avenue? Did you see a man running away from that area?"

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.