Beaten up The pensioner who dared to challenge a urinating thug

assault victim Derek Laidlaw

THIS shocking photograph shows the injuries suffered by a 70-year-old community-minded man who dared to rebuke a thug.

Pensioner Derek Laidlaw saw a man urinating against the wall of his partner's house in Failsworth late at night and asked him to stop.

But the man punched Derek to the face before pinning him against the wall where he continued to punch his head and face repeatedly.

Derek collapsed to the ground where the assault continued until another man, who was passing, pulled the attacker away. The assailant fled towards Kew Road, Failsworth.

Police have issued the photograph of the injuries Derek sustained in a bid to bring his attacker to justice.

Officers have issued a description of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the assault which took place at 10.45pm on Saturday.

He is described as white, of a stocky/muscular build and in his late 40s or early 50s. He has dark hair with dark eyebrows and was wearing dark clothing.

Det Cons Kelly Bragg, of GMP's Oldham borough, said: "This is a horrendous act of brutality that has left a man with severe injuries to his face. I'm hoping that by issuing this photograph, people will see the true extent of Derek's injuries and want to work with us to bring his attacker to justice.

"If anyone knows a man fitting this description, who may have been in the area at the time, please get in touch with us."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.