A MAN'S 18th birthday celebrations in Bolton town centre ended in horror when a thug hurled a metal grid at his head.

Darren Gallagher was knocked unconscious by the grid which also crushed his hand.

Today detectives issued an appeal for help in a bid to track down the violent yob.

Doctors have warned Mr Gallagher that he may never recover full use of the middle finger in his right hand.Pins have been inserted in his hand but it appears unlikely that he will now ever be able to take up his chosen career as a postman.

Police inquiries into the random, unprovoked attack have so far failed to find the attacker.

Before the attack Mr Gallagher, who lives in Breightmet, was due to hear a start date for his career as a postman.

He said: "I don't know what's going to happen now. The doctor has said I might not get proper use of my finger. That could mess up my chances of doing the post office work." Police are convinced the incident must have been seen by passers-by. The thug struck as Mr Gallagher was sitting on the floor leaning against a wall outside Moor Lane Taxis in Bolton town centre.

The violent assault happened around midnight between Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6.

The attacker is white, 6ft, aged about 35, well built with broad shoulders, bald, with a brown goatee beard and big nose. He was wearing a grey T-shirt, dark blue jeans and black leather jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5609 or Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.

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