POLICE have arrested a man three months after a Good Samaritan was slashed across the face as he went to help an elderly burglary victim.

Sean Brazendale needed more than 100 stitches after the attacker lashed out with a knife as Mr Brazendale went to investigate screams coming from the pensioner's home.

The blade was just centimetres away from severing his jugular artery.

Today, detectives confirmed a 21-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident. He has been released on police bail. But detectives leading the hunt for the gang have again appealled for witnesses to come forward.

DC Chris Jameson of Whitefield CID said: "We would appeal for anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible."

Mr Brazendale, 30, of Elton, Bury, was set upon as he walked along Church Street, Ainsworth, after visiting a local shop.

He had heard a panic button activated by the 82-year-old burglary victim after three men had ransacked her home.

But as the trio fled the scene with £300 in cash and a metal box containing sentimental belongings, one of them lashed out at Mr Brazendale, inflicting the horrific injuries.

The culprits were believed to be smartly dressed, in their early 30s and could have driven off in a grey J or K-registered Peugeot car.

The knifeman was aged 17-25 with short, dark hair, stubble, 5ft 10ins, of medium build, and was wearing a dark-coloured fleece coat.

The second man was aged 17-20 with thick dark hair in a side parting, a long thin face, 5ft 11ins to 6ft, and was wearing a green top. The third man was aged 17-20, 5ft 6ins and of medium build.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Whitefield CID on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Sean Brazendale recovering after the attack