A MAN left fighting for his life when a brick was hurled through the window of his friend's car has regained consciousness.

Rizwan Atcha suffered massive head injuries when the brick smashed through the window of a car in which he was travelling last week.

He spent six days in a coma at a specialist unit at the Royal Preston Hospital before doctors brought him round, following a series of operations to reduce swelling to his brain.

The 21-year-old had his family at his bedside when he opened his eyes, and has so far spoken in short sentences.

Detectives now hope to be able to interview him further about the incident.

His mother, Shaida, speaking at the family's home in Westerton Court, Deane, said: "He's been given another chance.

"It's a miracle he's pulled through and improved so quickly. He's very strong and we hope he will make a full recovery."

Mrs Atcha and Rizwan's father, Abbas, have been keeping a bedside vigil at the hospital where he has been treated since the attack on Thursday, 17 June.

Mr Atcha, who works in an O2 call centre in Bury, was a front seat passenger travelling along Quebec Street, Deane, at 8.30pm when the brick hit him on the right-hand side of his head.

Mrs Atcha said: "He's got stitches right the way along the length of his head where they have operated, and he won't let anyone apart from his closest family see him looking like that.

"He's had a lot of support from all his friends at work and from the community, and I just hope they catch whoever did this."

Ghulam Umar Farooq, aged 19, of Crescent Road, Great Lever, has appeared at Bolton Magistrates Court charged with wounding.

He has been remanded in custody until September 2, when he will appear at Bolton Crown Court.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.