THIS picture shows the shocking life-changing injuries suffered by a man during a ‘savage and despicable’ assault.

Kirk Hutchinson was left in a coma fighting for his life after the ‘brutal and sustained’ attack in Bacup, police said.

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And six months after the assault, which left Mr Hutchinson with a bleed on the brain, detectives took the unusual decision to release the picture of his injuries as they renew their appeals for witnesses.

Police said it was believed the 52-year-old was attacked by a group of men wearing dark clothing, scarves and balaclavas in Gladstone Street, Bacup at 6.50pm on Monday, October 26.

Police initially arrested seven men, aged between 20 and 33 on suspicion of wounding with intent and public order offences, as well as a 38-year-old woman for assisting an offender.

All were later released without charge.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward so Mr Hutchinson, who lives in Stacksteads, can get the ‘justice he deserves’.

Det Insp Andy Cribbin said: “This was a particularly vicious and cowardly assault on a defenceless individual.

“Despite making some initial arrests, we have yet to charge those responsible for carrying out this attack. Six months on, this must change.

“Kirk Hutchinson was subjected to a brutal and sustained assault.

“His head injuries were so severe he needed surgery and was placed in a coma.

“He remains in hospital for treatment to his head injury and will probably need medical care for the rest of his life.

“We are appealing to the community to provide information which could help us with our investigation.

“We believe at least two people saw the attack and would ask them and any others to come forward with information.

“This was a savage and despicable assault and Mr Hutchinson deserves justice.”

Mr Hutchinson was found lying on the pavement, unresponsive with major head injuries.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he was treated for a bleed on the brain.

He was later transferred to Salford Hospital in a critical condition and placed in a medically induced coma.

Community leaders have been left shocked by the ‘barbaric attack’ and urged any witnesses to ‘stand up and be counted’.

Bacup councillor Peter Steen said: “Something like this is totally barbaric. There is no need for it. It must be absolutely horrendous for his family and friends.

“If anyone knows anything they must stand up and be counted and get in contact with the police.”

Rossendale Council leader, Cllr Alyson Barnes, said: “No-one should have to go through what this man and his family are going through and my heart goes out to them.

“I am genuinely surprised that this has happened in Rossendale because it’s generally a peaceful place where people get along with each other.

“The important thing now is that this man and his family get justice.

“I would urge anyone who knows anything to get in contact with the police straight away. It’s also important for the wider community that this individual or individuals are caught so everyone can feel safe on the streets.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 quoting log number 0445 of April 26.