A MAN whipped with chains and hit with a hammer in a gang beating is "dazed and confused" following the ordeal.

John Benson was visiting Bolton from Devon for a christening when he was violently set upon by attackers in Worsley Road, Farnworth, on Sunday evening.

The 38-year-old has been released from hospital and four suspects have been bailed until next month.

One of Mr Benson's nieces said he had driven his silver BMW to a house where he knew one of the occupants.

He was pounced on by four people who chased him up the road.

One of his nieces said: "He was attacked with chains and a hammer outside the shop at the top of the road.

"It was three heavy duty dog chains and a claw hammer.

"They hit him once with the hammer and four times with the chains.

"He couldn't protect himself. He was just wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

"He rolled up into a ball and used his hands to cover his eyes, nose and cheekbones."

Neighbours coming out of their houses to see what the commotion was gave Mr Benson the opportunity to run back to his car but his attackers followed.

The niece said: "One of them started smashing the car windows. My uncle managed to get away and came to my address in Wordsworth Avenue.

"He just got out his car and stood at the the top of gate and he wasn't making sense."

Paramedics took Mr Benson to Salford Royal Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.

Scans revealed no brain damage and he is believed to have discharged himself the same evening.

Police said three men, aged 20, 23 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of assault as was a woman, aged 38.

The 23-year-old and the 29-year-old have been bailed until August 12 as has the 38-year-old woman.

The 20-year-old man has been bailed until August 13.