Screwdriver attack man speaks out

A man left disabled after being stabbed through the temple in a racist attack says he will never get back to normal.

Mark Johnson, 36, was going home to Eccles, Greater Manchester, when he was attacked by a man with a screwdriver.

He has lost the hearing in one ear and suffered permanent facial damage as a result of the attack, which detectives described as racially motivated.

They have named 24-year-old Lee Robert Platt, from Eccles, as a suspect and have urged him to come forward.

This is an extremely vicious and nasty assault and I am determined to bring the offender to justice Det Ch Insp Geoff Wessell

The attack took place in Ivy Street, Eccles, in the early hours of 11 February.

Mr Johnson, who runs a window cleaning business, said he was trying to keep the man away from his family when he was set upon.

"He was shouting racist abuse and he was carrying several knives. I asked him to put them down but he charged at me," he said.

"In the struggle he dropped some of his knives but then put his hands behind his back as if he was up to something. Then he struck me."

Mr Johnson said his injuries had badly affected the youngest of his two sons, who is 10.

Man hunted

"He doesn't understand why I don't look at him the same way. He doesn't understand that my face is paralysed and he misses the smiles and laughter from his dad.

"It came just at a time when I was trying to get my business started and so it has really set me back. I won't ever fully get back to normal."

Det Ch Insp Geoff Wessell, leading the inquiry, said: "This is an extremely vicious and nasty assault and I am determined to bring the offender to justice.

"It is very unusual for me to go to the extent of naming a suspect, but I gave this man the opportunity to come forward last week and he has not responded."

Mr Wessell urged anyone who may know of Mr Platt's whereabouts to contact police.