A COMMUNITY has been stunned by an attack on a blind, cerebral palsy suffer as he walked alone through a Bury park.

Martin Nolan (25) suffered a black eye, bleeding gums, and cuts and bruising when he was set upon by three men and a girl as he walked through Clarence Park.

And this week his angry mother, Angela, had this advice for the police: "When they catch these cowards they should lock them up and throw away the key."

Martin, of Walmersley Road, Bury, was punched in the face, knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly about the head and body in the attack which took place near the Clarence Lido.

Mrs Nolan added: "The neighbourhood has been angered by this unprovoked attack. Martin is a wonderful young man without a cruel bone in his body.

"Yet, he was seen as an easy target by four cowards who ganged up on him and attacked him." According to his parents, it was only the second time Martin - who uses a white stick - had been out of the family home on his own.

His father Michael commented: "We had been advised to give Martin some room, to give him a bit of freedom to look after himself. I am sickened by what has happened to him."

He was taken to Bury General Hospital for treatment and kept in overnight for observation.

One man has already been interviewed by police and bailed pending further investigations.

More witnesses of Monday evening's vicious assault are being sought by police.

Anyone who can help is urged to ring PC John Andrew on 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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