WITNESSES are still being sought in connection with a violent assault on a Darwen chef.

The 47-year-old went back to work this week, more than a month after the mystery attack in Market Street, in the town centre, on Sunday, June 5.

Detectives investigating the case have been thwarted in their attempts to make an arrest by ‘resistance’ from people they believe may have crucial information.

The victim was punched to the floor close to the busy Golden Grill takeaway.

He had left the Roxy nightclub minutes earlier with friends.

He was seen staggering home covered in blood, but police need independent witnesses to the actual assault.

The man’s multiple fractures to his face and skull could have been fatal, police said.

He was only taken to hospital hours after the incident when he failed to turn up for his Sunday shift and his boss found him slumped and ‘unrecognisable’ in his house.

Contact police on 0845 125 3545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.