A MAN died in hospital yesterday two weeks after suffering a fractured skull in a vicious unprovoked attack in Burnley.

Darren Atkinson, 48, of Brierfield, died at the Royal Preston Hospital.

The 6ft 6ins man, described as a ‘gentle giant’, had been attacked on March 25.

Police said the quiet-natured man had been ‘minding his own business’ when he was approached by three people as he made his way home from Burnley town centre.

He was found unconscious in the front garden of a house in Standen Hall Drive, Burnley, after suffering a single blow to the head shortly after 8pm.

Mr Atkinson was described as a quiet, shy person who kept himself to himself and somebody who did not socialise a great deal.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information about the attack, or Mr Atkinson’s whereabouts prior to the attack, to contact them.

He was described as white, of slim build with short dark receding hair.

He was wearing a blue or green fleece, dark pants and dark shoes.

Two boys from Burnley, one aged 16 and the other 17, have both been charged with section 20 wounding in relation to the attack.

But in light of Mr Atkinson’s death, the Crown Prosecution Service and the police will now review the charges.

The pair were due to appear before Reedley Youth Court on Monday.

Anyone with information relating to the attack should call Lancashire Police on 0845 1253545 or, alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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