A PRESTWICH man is still recovering in hospital after being deliberately pushed into the path of a car by two thugs following a night out.

The 34-year-old victim sustained head wounds and a severe cut above his eye after he was struck by the vehicle in Polefield Approach.

Detectives hunting the culprits are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. The victim is still detained in North Manchester General Hospital.

Police say the bachelor was walking home alone along Polefield Approach at 12.20am on Saturday when he was pushed into the road and into oncoming traffic.

Later, a 20-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was subsequently released without charge.

Detective Constable Dave Thorpe, of Whitefield CID, said: We are appealing for witnesses to come forward. In particular we wish to speak to a man who, following the incident, stopped and spoke to police. We are asking him to get in touch with us.

Commenting on the incident, he added: This was a seemingly unprovoked attack on a man who was making his way home on his own after a night out with his family.

We know there were people about when the incident happened as there is a row of shops, including takeaways, opposite.

We also know that the two men ran off towards allotments at the back of Bury Old Road.

Officers have spoken to the victim who is apparently unclear about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Det Con Thorpe added: The only real thing he can remember is being in the ambulance. He has received a number of stitches to head wounds and also has a nasty cut around the eye.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Det Con Thorpe on 856 8248 or freephone CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.