DETECTIVES are quizzing a 16-year-old over an attack which left a great-grandfather from Nelson with critical injuries.

David Hutchinson is still in a serious conditon in the Royal Preston Hospital after being attacked close to his Leeds Road home on Saturday, June 15.

He was said to have been assaulted while walking to nearby shops, and after being punched fell to the ground and hit his head.

Police have now confirmed that a local 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The youth was being questioned at Burnley’s Parker Lane police station.

The family of Mr Hutchinson, 64, who is originally from Dewsbury, have kept a bedside vigil at Preston since the attack.

He initially returned home after the attack but was found unconscious by his housemate the following day and rushed to hospital.

Known locally as ‘Scrapyard Dave’, his relatives have been left wondering why anyone would want to hurt the great-grandfather-of-four. His brother, Brian, 65, who lives in Cardiff, described him as ‘a colourful character who would not harm anyone’.

Police said the retired binman was on his way to buy paracetamol from a shop in Barkerhouse Road when he was confronted between 10.30 and 11pm.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident and anyone who saw anything should call Lancashire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.