A FATHER-of-two was "scared to death" by a brutal attack which left him with a shattered jaw.
The single parent has been left "black and blue" after being kicked and punched to the ground during the attack in St Annes at around 10pm on Friday evening.
While he lay on the ground, a man who witnessed the assault stole his wallet, mobile phon
e and keys before kicking him.
The 44-year-old victim was struck from behind after being repeatedly approached by a girl who was involved in an argument with his attacker.
He said: "I had just gone out for cigarettes and was going back to my friends.
"This lad came up behind me and hit me in the back of the head. I didn't expect it at all.
"It is just an absolute nightmare. I was scared to death."
Medical experts have told the man, who lost consciousness following the attack, it could take two years for the feeling to return to parts of his face. His jaw was fractured in three places.
He added: "I'm black and blue with bruises all over and my face looks like a balloon. I can't go out.
"My children have gone to stay with their mother. There was nothing to suggest it was going to happen. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Police say the attacker is white, aged between 18 and 20, around 5ft 8in and of medium build. He had a shaved head and wore a black or navy blue tracksuit.
The girl involved in the argument was also white, aged around 16, 5ft tall with shoulder length brown hair and a slim build. She was wearing a dark jacket.
Anyone with information on the attacker is being asked to contact Blackpool Police on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The full article contains 313 words and appears in Blackpool Gazette newspaper.
