A pensioner has been attacked after he asked a man to stop urinating against the wall of his partner's home.

Derek Laidlaw, 70, was left with severe facial injuries following what has been described as a "horrendous act of brutality".

After approaching the man outside his partner’s house in Failsworth, Oldham, Mr Laidlaw was punched in the face and pinned against a wall.

He was then repeatedly punched in the head and face before collapsing on the floor, where the beating continued.

The attack, which happened at 10.45pm on Saturday, only stopped when a bypasser intervened.


Greater Manchester Police described the attacker as white, of a stocky/muscular build and in his late 40s or early 50s.

He has dark hair with dark eyebrows and was wearing dark clothing, GMP said.

"This is a horrendous act of brutality that has left a man with severe injuries to his face," said Detective Constable Kelly Bragg.

"I’m hoping that by issuing this photograph, people will see the true extent of Derek’s injuries and want to work with us to bring his attacker to justice.

"If anyone knows a man fitting this description, who may have been in the area at the time, please get in touch with us."

:: Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.