"This could have been anyone’s dad, son, uncle or friend" - man remains in hospital three months after attack outside Blackpool hotel
John Forsyth's family seek answers as he suffered serious head injuries while trying to intervene in an altercation in late July
A man who has spent more than three months in hospital after being attacked outside a hotel in Blackpool has been named.
John Forsyth's family have issued a statement calling for witnesses to come forward after he was attacked.
John, in his 50s and from East Lothian, had attempted to intervene in an altercation outside the Shores Hotel in Tyldseley Road.
The attack took place at 1am on 28 July and John has remained in hospital ever since with life-changing head injuries, according to Blackpool Police.
John's family said: “During a trip away with his daughter, something they have done many times before, John was the victim of an unprovoked attack that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
"Before the attack John was always active, had his own business and coached children’s football in his local community, all of this has now been impacted by a random assault that has left him with life changing injuries.
“John’s wife, daughter, son and wider family and friends have been deeply affected by the random nature of the assault and the consequences of his injury. The assault happened on 28 July 2024 and John is still in hospital, thankfully previous medical complications appear to have settled and he is now in rehab. He is also now more aware of what happened and he, and the family, are looking for someone to be held responsible for what has happened to him, which has changed his life significantly and will continue to do so.
"This could have been anyone’s dad, son, uncle or friend and so John and the family are asking anyone with any information to help identify the individuals involved to come forward to hopefully prevent this happening to anyone else.”
Police have so far interviewed six men in their 30s and a man in his 20s under caution on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
Anyone who witnessed the attack or was in the Tyldesley Road area around 1am on 28 July, or who has dashcam or mobile phone footage of the area, is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 0103 of 28 July or email 3291@lancashire.police.uk
Police also want to speak to anyone who was in Happy Scot's bar prior to 1am on the 28 July.