A MAN with severe learning difficulties was hit several times in the head with a metal bar by a thug in a vicious attack in Tyldesley.

The 32-year-old victim was left needing 12 stitches to a nasty wound on his eye socket after the horrific assault, which appened between 3.30pm and 4pm on Saturday, July 26.

It is thought that the man was attacked with an 18-inch bar at the back of Crawford Avenue on the Shakerley Estate in Tyldesley after he had tried to speak to the occupants of a house on the road.

The man, who already has a metal plate in his head from an injury he suffered as a child, was then chased, along with a friend, onto a field, where they became separated.

The vulnerable man had to go to hospital after he was hit in the head five times with the pink metal bar.

Police are now appealing for help in catching the people responsible.

The man armed with the metal bar was white, 5ft 10in tall, slim, with brown hair and was wearing a blue T-shirt.

Det Con Lee Jamieson said: "This man, who suffers from learning difficulties, was subjected to a sustained and repeated barrage at the hands of his assailant.

"He was struck five times with a metal bar and needed a dozen stitches to close a nasty wound.

"Our investigation is now focused on establishing the circumstances leading up to this assault and what motivated the offender, and those who participated in the chase, to commit such a dreadful act.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8567225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.