THE grieving widow of a Bury man kicked to death following a night out in Bolton spoke today of her caring and gentle husband who had "a heart of gold".

Father-of-four Rob Johnston, aged 39, who worked for Briggs Demolition, Wellington Street, Bury and recently moved to Levens Drive, Breightmet, Bolton, was attacked as he walked home in the early hours of Saturday.

Witnesses told police they saw two men kicking what they thought was a bundle of rags on the ground, but were shocked to discover it was a man. Mr Johnston, who was unconscious, was taken to hospital with severe head injuries. He died eight hours later.

Murder squad detectives revealed that the attackers had kicked and stamped on Mr Johnston's head. His wife of 12 years Sharron, aged 44, said today: "He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle and grandfather. He would do anything for anyone and would always walk away from trouble."

Mrs Johnston paid tribute to her husband as police made a fresh appeal for information following a poor response to their plea for help over the weekend.

Mr Johnston was with 38-year-old friend Darren O'Donaghue, of Holme Avenue, Brandlesholme, Bury, who suffered facial injuries during the attack.

His wife added: "Rob was a workaholic and had worked as a foreman for Briggs Demolition in Wellington Street, Bury, for the past 20 years. He lived life to the full. I cannot believe he has gone from our lives and we will never see him again or get the chance to tell him how much we love and miss him."

Mr Johnston had four children including three step-children: Susan, aged 23, Michael, aged 20, Sarah, aged 17, and Samantha, aged 14.

He was a grandfather to Leonni, aged two, and 11-week-old Morgan.

Det Supt Bottomley urged the two attackers to go to the police. They believe only one was responsible for the murder of Mr Johnston.

"We have extensive CCTV coverage of the area where the attack took place and it is now just a matter of time before we find the people responsible," he said.

"I would particularly like to appeal to the second man who was not involved in the attack on Rob -- I just hope that he has a conscience to come forward and tell us what he knows." Police still do not have a motive for the attack and there was nothing to suggest it was anything other than a chance meeting.

"Rob was simply walking home with his best friend of 20 years after going out to celebrate his 39th birthday which was a week ago," said Det Supt Bottomley.

"He was a placid, family man. He had built up enough courage to overcome his fear of flying and was looking forward to his first holiday abroad in around three weeks' time.

"His wife is absolutely devastated as are all his family and friends. He had only recently moved to Bolton from Bury."

Det Supt Martin Bottomley, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: "Rob was the victim of a violent and sustained attack which left him with extremely severe head and facial injuries.

"He was knocked to the ground by a cold and callous killer who left him totally defenceless. As he lay there, his head was repeatedly stamped on and he was kicked about the face and body.

"I am disappointed by the response from the public and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen something suspicious to come forward and help us catch these men."

Witnesses saw two men kicking and punching what looked like a bunch of rags on the ground in Saville Street, off Shiffnall Street in Bolton town centre, at around 2.45am.

When the two witnesses went to investigate, the attackers calmly walked away and they found Mr Johnston unconscious.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0161 856 5961 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.