A GRANDFATHER was fighting for his life today after a thug hurled a house brick at his head.

Geoffrey Swift, 36, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, was hit outside his daughter's home in Crabtree Avenue, Edgeside.

He is now on a ventilator in a serious condition in Burnley General Hospital,

Neighbours of Mr Swift's daughter said there had been a problem with juveniles in the area for some time and nuisance had got worse with the school Easter holidays.

One neighbour said today: "The couple had lived there for a few months and had a very new baby. They have been getting hassle from the local children and have now moved. I never heard anything on that night but I saw a lot of people in the area."

Mr Swift, who lives with his wife Claire, was visiting his daughter Ann-Louise Stanners and her partner Dale Radcliffe at their upstairs council flat.

Another neighbour said: "We all have problems with teenager causing trouble here, we are waiting for the council to finish putting gates on the footpaths to stop children getting access to the houses."

Det Sgt Mick Collins, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Mr Swift was with relatives at the time of the assault and we have recovered the house brick that was thrown.

"He was knocked unconscious after the assault for a few minutes but they didn't realise the seriousness of the incident until he started to act in a disorientated manner.

"His family took him to Burnley General Hospital where he was admitted."

He said he wanted anyone who had seen the incident, or previous incidents, at that address to contact the police.

Det Sgt Collins said: "It is believed the situation was a culmination of events from the nights before possibly involving juvenile nuisance in the area.

"We are asking for people who know anything to contact us. It was a very serious assault and any blow to the back of the head is potentially serious."

Anyone with any information on the attack at 9pm on Tuesday is asked to contact DS Collins on 01706 237442.