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Attack victim recovering

13/ 2/2008

A MAN left fighting for his life after confronting a gang of drunken youths is making an `amazing recovery'.

David Burns, 26, from Droylsden, who is being treated at Hope Hospital, is now described as critical but stable.

He suffered serious injuries when he was surrounded by a gang of up to eight youths and punched to the ground, banging his head on the pavement.

David was taunted as he walked home from the Strawberry Gardens pub on Sunday evening after watching the Manchester football derby.

Locals say the Vyas store near where the attack took place is a virtual no-go zone at night because of drunken youths, some as young as 12.

David's mother Agnes Burns, 60, hit out at the street drinking culture among children.

She said: "I think parents need to know where their children are and what they are doing when they are out.

"The majority of them do, but there are about 10 to 20 per cent who don't understand, know or choose to ignore it.

She said David had been `knocking at death's door' but had amazed doctors with his recovery and was unlikely to have any lasting damage.

Droylsden District Assembly's Jim Middleton said he was `saddened' by the attack.

"Our primary thoughts are with the family," he said. "I was surprised something like this had happened in my area. I can assure residents that the council will support the police in making every effort to get to the bottom of this investigation."

A boy, aged 17, was arrested a day after the attack and has been released on police bail until next month.

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