A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attacking a Ramsbottom father-of-two whose injuries were so severe that he had to have his face partially rebuilt by surgeons.

As reported in Friday's Bury Times, the victim was on his way home during the early hours of October 24 when he was attacked in Holt Street, Ramsbottom, by a group of five or six youths.

They were said to have walked away laughing after using the victim's head like a football during a savage 10- minute beating. The 43-year-olds injuries included fractures to both eye sockets, his upper jaw, cheekbones and knuckles.

Surgeons at Blackburn Royal Infirmary inserted metal plates and pins into his battered face.

Police have confirmed a 20-year-old local man was arrested last Thursday evening in connection with the attack and he has been bailed until December 8 pending further inquiries.