A FATHER has released shocking pictures of his son fighting for his life after he was attacked in a Darwen nightclub.

Mark Pennington made the tough decision to reveal pictures of 28-year-old son Ben to encourage witnesses to come forward..

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Mr Pennington, 58, said Ben had been out with his best friend when he was punched just once at the Level One nightclub.

The 3am attack left him having to have a large part of his skull removed after he suffered a bleed on the brain.

Doctors have warned the sales manager’s family his injuries are potentially life-changing and could leave him suffering seizures or disabilities in the future

Mr Pennington, who owns Pennington Bakeries and Sandwiches in Preston, said he decided to release the picture to show what damage a single punch could do.

He said: “His friend turned around and Ben was flat out on the floor. As he has gone down he’s cracked the back of his head on the bar. The punch knocked him down. 

“We got woken up at 5am by one of his friends banging on our door. His friend was distraught. They are like brothers. He was absolutely devastated, as we are.

“By releasing this picture it shows people what damage a single punch can do. That is why I wanted people to see the picture of Ben.” 

Ben, who is due to become an uncle any day, had a five hour operation at the Royal Preston Hospital to relieve the pressure on his brain just hours after the attack on Saturday. 

Mr Pennington said: “They did the operation at substantial risk to his life, but it was the only option.

“We were told he has two significant bleeds on the brain that could give him life-changing injuries. 

“One is by the nervous system that controls his arms and legs so it is possible he could have disabilities to his arms and legs. 

“When he recovers he could be subject to seizures and fits. 

“The neurosurgeon said he would be very surprised if he did not come away with significant damage. 

“It is tough. The way I am coping is taking it 24 hours at a time. After the operation it was a bit better than the day before and I am hoping today will be better than yesterday.” 

Mr Pennington said Ben would be kept in a coma for the next seven to 10 days before medics try to bring him round. 

“He could be in hospital for months. Certainly weeks. When he is out of critical care he will be taken to the neurological ward. 

“We have got a horrendous few months ahead. He is a stubborn person and if he sets his mind to something he does it. If that is taken away from him God knows what will happen. It is going to change a lot of people’s lives.” 

Ben, who lives in Walton-le-Dale, was described as a hard worker with ‘everything going for him’.

Mr Pennington said: “We have had so many people contacting us over the last day and a half and offering their help. 

“I have been shocked by the amount of people visiting him. 

“I did not realise he had such a huge circle of friends. They are turning up at the hospital by the dozen. 

“It has taken my breath away, the support he has had from friends.” 

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Temp Det Insp Zoe Russo said: “While we have made one arrest, I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that may assist the investigation to contact us.

“Many people were inside the club at the time of the offence and we believe someone must have seen what happened.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20161015-0183. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111.