Man charged after serious assault in Heywood

A man is in hospital in a critical condition after he was assaulted in Heywood in the early hours of Saturday morning, 11 November 2006.

Detectives in Rochdale are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred shortly before 1:00am outside the Queen Anne Hotel on Market Place.

The victim, a 30-year-old man from Heywood, was walking along with a friend, when his friend stopped to talk to someone he knew. Another man then approached the victim, punching him in the face. He fell backwards, hitting his head on the ground, causing him to lose consciousness.

He was taken to Fairfield Hospital, where his condition is described as critical, but stable.

Detective Constable Martyn Cunningham, Rochdale CID, said: "This would have been a busy period, as the pubs emptied out for the night and people made their way home.

"The victim is in bad way in hospital, and has not recovered consciousness since the assault.

"I am asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information about it, to please contact CID at Rochdale on 0161 856 4591, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A 26-year-old man from Heywood was been arrested and questioned before being charged.

Paul Anthony Jones (born 15/07/80) of Prince Street, Heywood, was charged with section 20 assault.