Latvian plea to blacklist Salford

Mr Pacejs's mother says the attack was "inhuman"

The Latvian government is urging foreigners to avoid visiting Salford because it is too dangerous.

The call comes after Sergejs Pacejs, 38, was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver after a gang of youths heard him speaking Russian.

Mr Pacejs remains on a life support machine after the attack on Friday 3 December in Lower Broughton.

Salford Cllr Eddie Sheehy said the people of Salford have condemned what happened to Mr Pacejs.

"Salford is a safe place," he said.

We cannot believe the level of violence that has been used on my son, it is completely inhuman Nadezha Pacejs

"The people are incredible, but unfortunately there are a minority who do things like this and we won't tolerate it at all."

Latvia's Foreign Minister, Artis Pabriks, wants the European Union (EU) to blacklist the area.

He wants the EU to warn foreign workers to stay away from the city for their own safety.

Mr Pacejs's mother, Nadezha, has flown to Manchester to be by her son's bedside at Hope Hospital.

She says those responsible for the attack are not human.

"We cannot believe the level of violence that has been used on my son, it is completely inhuman," she said in a statement.

"To fight with someone is one thing but the level of violence used by these offenders is a step beyond comprehension.

"If anyone knows anything at all about this then please contact the police."

Mr Pacejs was walking home along Lower Broughton Road with two friends when a group of youths turned on them.

A man and woman, both 32, received minor injuries in the attack.

Det Ch Insp Sam Howarth from Greater Manchester Police said: "There would have been plenty of people around between 10.30pm and 11.45pm, as the Prince of Wales pub and several takeaways are in the immediate area of the attack.

"We would especially like to speak to anyone who was present in the group who did not take part in the assault."