THREE men have been questioned and released without charge in connection with a brick attack on a car which left a 21-year-old man fighting for his life.

Two men, aged 19 and one 20, were arrested in the Great Lever area of Bolton on Saturday on suspicion of assault.

A third man, also 19, was arrested. All were released after being quizzed by detectives.

Car passenger Rizwaan Atcha, of Westerton Court, Bolton, remains in a critical condition at the Royal Preston Hospital following the attack on Thursday when a brick was hurled through the window as the Toyota was being driven along Quebec Street. Mr Atcha was being driven to a wedding reception by a friend when their car was attacked by a gang of Asian youths.

A house brick thrown a the car smashed the passenger window and hit Mr Atcha on the head.

Spotting blood pouring from his friends head the driver stopped the car and called for an ambulance on his mobile phone. Mr Atcha, a call centre worker suffered a fractured skull and has had to undergo surgery to reduce swelling on his brain.

He is still seriously in a coma at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Mr Atcha's family said they were praying for a miracle and added that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Mr Atcha lives in Deane with his parents and sisters, aged 15 and 14. Friends and family have described the former Deane High School pupil as "very popular and outgoing."