A MAN attacked by burglars in his own home may have to give up his job due to his injuries.

John Lewis, 64, was punched twice in the eye during the raid at Cheltenham Road, Blackburn, earlier this month.

Eye surgeons have told him that the lens in his right eye is so badly damaged it will eventually need to be removed.

Doctors have told him he will not be able to drive anymore.

Mr Lewis, a maths tutor, said this could put an end to his career.

He said: "I have been doing this job for over 25 years and have always enjoyed it.

"I travel all over Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington but now I have to sell my car because it isn't safe for me to drive with my eye like this.

"Without my car, I cannot work."

Mr Lewis was attacked by two Asian males in their 20s who knocked at his front door and asked to get a football from his garden.

They later returned and burst into his living room before demanding he hand over £70.

Mr Lewis said: "I thought I would get better quite quickly but I have been really suffering. The news from the surgeons has been devastating."

He added: "I don't know what I will do if I cannot continue my tutoring.

"I have been told I will be able to claim £55 a week if I am not employed - but that is a paltry amount. I would much rather be working.

"I just hope somebody knows who did this to me and can help the police catch them."

Det Sgt Julie Peter, of Blackburn CID, said: "Mr Lewis' life has been completely changed by the attack.

"This was a nasty and unprovoked attack. We need the public to come forward and tell us how did this."

Anyone with information can call Blackburn police on 01254 51212.