THE 13-year old daughter of a man who was left critically ill after an attack in Bolton town centre has pleaded “please find who did this to my dad”.

Paul Gahan, from Darcy Lever, was left in a coma after he was punched while standing at the junction of Bradshawgate and Breightmet Street at 2am on the morning of Sunday, August 21.

The punch caused Mr Gahan to fall back and hit his head and he was taken to hospital where he was initially in a coma.

Although he is now awake, the 46-year-old remains in a lot of pain and faces a long road to recovery.

His family have described how his speech is slurred, he is not eating and he has only just managed to take some very small walking steps.

He has described having no memory of the incident and no idea why someone would attack him.

Mr Gahan’s family, including wife Deb and 13-year-old daughter Emily, have been left devastated by the attack and remain by his side in hospital.

Police are still appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the assault, in particular regarding two men who were seen approaching the 46-year-old at the time.

UPDATED: Man seriously injured after assault in Bradshawgate, Bolton

Paul Gahan facing months of recovery after attack in Bradshawgate, Bolton town centre

In an impassioned appeal, young Emily has now called on anyone with information — including the attackers themselves — to come forward.

She said: “I want to know who did this to my dad, and why they did it.

“I don't know how long it's going to take for my dad to get better, I miss him I just want him home, please help me find who did this to my dad.”

Mr Gahan, who runs his own roofing firm, has been told by doctors that he may never be able to continue in his line of work, because of the impact of the attack.

Adding to the appeal, he said: “Please help us find who did this to me and my family.”

Mr Gahan’s niece, Hayley Davies gave an update on her uncle’s condition, more than a week after the assault took place.

She said: “Paul is a shadow of his former self, he is usually the life and soul of the party and is always making practical jokes — now he barely talks.

“He has been moved to a trauma ward, his speech is slurred and he is not eating.

“He has just managed to stand up and make a few baby steps — we don’t think he will be leaving hospital for a while yet.”

Greater Manchester Police are searching through CCTV from the night but as yet have made no arrests relating to the attack.

Detective Sergeant Iqbal Ahmed said: "This man is very poorly in hospital so I would ask if anyone saw what happened or knows anyone who may have been involved to call police urgently."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 1372 (between 7am and 11pm), 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.