A MAGGOT farmer who suffered a fractured skull when he was attacked by three masked raiders said last night: “I was terrified.”

John Lloyd, aged 38, was beaten with a crowbar in a caravan at his farm in Crowthorne Road, Edgworth, shortly after midnight on Saturday.

He was released from hospital on Tuesday — following surgery on his skull which has left him with 16 staples in his head.

Mr Lloyd says he owes his life to his friend, Keith Brotherton, whom he managed to contact using the Skype telephone on his computer so that he could raise the alarm.

Mr Brotherton called police and dashed to the farm from his home in Leigh.

Mr Lloyd said: “It was terrifying. Three men in balaclavas got into my caravan, where I was working on the computer, and demanded money.

“They had a crowbar, an airgun and a knife.

“I gave them the keys to my van but I did not have any money because the business has not made any over the last few weeks with the snow.

“They said they were going to tie me up and stab me, so I made a break for it and grabbed hold of the crowbar. But they started punching me and I let go, them I felt a ‘boom’ on my head.

“I cannot describe the pain and what it was like. I was just about conscious but could not move my right arm.

“My mobile phone was switched off but I managed to click on to Skype and, luckily, Keith was there.

“I shouted that I needed help. He is a hero, he saved my life. I don’t know what would have happened, otherwise. I am just glad to be alive.”

The gang fled in Mr Lloyd’s Mercedes Sprinter van before abandoning it nearby.

My Lloyd was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital and was transferred to Salford Royal hospital.

It was unusual for him to be at the farm alone at night.

His brother, Anthony, had left early because he was going on holiday the following day.

Mr Lloyd added: “I cannot believe what these people did to me. What is the world coming to?

“It has made me fearful of staying there again.

“I would appeal for anyone who may have seen my attackers to come forward.

"I think they have been watching because they asked me where my brother was.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 0845 1253545 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.