THE mother of murdered joiner Shane Eckersley -- battered to death in a gang attack outside a karaoke bar -- today issued the heart-felt plea: "Please help catch my son's killer.

Dorothy Kay urged witnesses to the attack to come forward with the information detectives need to track down his killer.

The 40-year-old Horwich man -- described by his mother as a "much-loved" son -- died after being punched about the head and body by a gang of thugs. He was attacked after leaving the Saigon pub, restaurant and karaoke bar in Pendleton, Salford, with a friend on Friday night.

Mr Eckersley suffered appalling head injuries and died in Salford's Hope Hospital less than 48 hours later. The murder of the father of one has devastated his family. Heartbroken Mrs Kay said: "This has greatly affected all our family. Shane was much loved and his death has deeply saddened us all.

"We want to urge anyone with information or any witnesses to contact the police as soon as possible. Help them catch Shane's killer."

Detectives believe the attack may have been witnessed by more than 30 people.

A post-mortem examination found that Mr Eckersley died from a head wound -- likely to have been sustained by "around two or three punches".

He had been drinking in the Saigon for most of the night with a 23-year-old friend, from Salford, when an argument began at the bar at last orders.

The argument spilled out onto the street as customers left and the pair were attacked.

Det Chief Insp Sam Howarth, of Salford police, said: "We do not know what the argument was about. It may well be linked to the incident but we have no evidence to support it.

"There were 20 to 30 people out on the street at the time. Many of them may have had nothing to do with the incident, but we would like people to come forward."

"Virtually everyone in the pub left and he was attacked. It was very busy at the time but was not packed because it is a very large pub."

No weapons were involved. Detectives said Mr Eckersley was not robbed. Mr Howarth said officers were keeping an open mind on the motive of the attack. He added: "Falling back on the ground may also be a factor of his injuries."

Mr Eckersley's friend is still detained in Hope Hospital. He suffered a fractured ankle and a neck injury. Detectives were hoping to interview him today.

Mr Eckersley was an unemployed joiner who was born and brought up in Horwich. He moved to a flat in Gingham Gardens, Radcliffe, last year.

He was separated from his wife and leaves a 12-year-old son. Mr Eckersley had been a volunteer at the drug and alcohol abuse day Centre for Rehabilitation, Arts, Further Education and Training (CRAFT) in Prestwich for the last six months -- part of the Prestwich-based charity Turning Point.

It is a drug and alcohol abuse day centre and Mr Eckersley worked as a volunteer for one day a week, teaching woodwork. Tributes were paid to him today.

Community development worker Andy Rowland said he was a well-respected team member.

Mr Rowland said: "He had been through the system, gone through rehabilitation, and returned as a volunteer. The news of his death has come completely out of the blue and we were all shocked to hear of it."

Anybody with information about the attack in Lower Broughton Road, Pendleton, at 11.30pm on Friday is asked to contact detectives on 0161 856 5153.