A MAN who was brutally attacked more than two weeks ago is still in a coma in a hospital's intensive care unit.

Brian Sanderson, 51, was discovered lying in a pool of blood on a Little Hulton pavement just after 11pm on April 22 after he had been the victim of a horrific unprovoked attack.

Residents who ran to help the stricken man told police that up to five people had been seen jumping on the man and kicking him before the gang fled up Madams Wood Road.

He had suffered severe facial injuries and was unconscious when he was discovered. The beating came just minutes after Mr Sanderson had left his home to buy some tobacco.

Paramedics rushed him to the Royal Bolton Hospital's casualty department for emergency treatment before he was transferred to Hope Hospital, Salford.

But Mr Sanderson has remained in a coma as a team of detectives continue to hunt the attacker who viciously set upon him.

And today Det Sgt Paul Costello of Swinton CID put out a renewed appeal for any witnesses to the beating to contact police.

He added: "We would urge anyone who may have information about this incident to contact us as soon as possible.

"What is most distressing is that this was a purely unprovoked attack. This man is just a normal working man who has been targeted."

Anyone with information can call Little Hulton CID on 0161 872 5050.