NEW images have been released of two men wanted in connection with an attack that left a Bolton father in a coma.

Paul Gahan, from Darcy Lever, was critically injured in the town centre assault, which happened while he was standing at the junction of Bradshawgate and Breightmet Street at 2am on the morning of Sunday, August 21.

He was punched and then fell to the ground and banged his head off the pavement.

The 46-year-old, who has no memory of the incident, has now returned home to continue his recovery after waking from the coma, and his family have once again urged anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward.

His wife, Deb, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody that saw anything that night. I know it is scary reporting somebody but people can do it anonymously without feeling anxious or worrying about any repercussions.”

Mr Gahan, who runs his own roofing firm, is said to be making steady progress in his recovery, but family members said that “his confidence has taken a knock” since the incident.

He has been told by doctors that he may never be able to return to his line of work because of the impact of the attack.

His daughter Emily, aged 13, told The Bolton News last month: “I want to know who did this to my dad, and why they did it.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to take for my dad to get better, I miss him I just want him home, please help me find who did this to my dad.”

Last month, police released a CCTV video of the two men they identified, but have now issued new photos in the hope to encouraging members of the public to aid their investigation.

The first man is described as Asian, 20 to 30 years old, stocky, with black hair and a black beard, wearing all dark clothing and carrying a dark bag.

The second is described as Asian, 20 to 30 years old, stocky, with short black hair and wearing a grey hooded top with dark coloured sleeves and hood, as well as dark shoes or boots.

Detective Sergeant Iqbal Ahmed said the incident was a “vicious attack” and has asked witnesses to contact police urgently.

Witnesses described hearing a “horrible noise” as the victim’s head hit the ground and said there was “a lot of blood” at the scene.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 1372 (between 7am and 11pm), 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A fundraiser in Mr Gahan’s aid will start with a scooter convoy from the Macron Stadium at 11am on October 8, and then be held at the Ukrainian Club, in Castle Street, from noon to 6pm.

Hayley Davies, his niece, added: “Everybody is welcome to join us and show their support. They’ve had plenty of donations from local businesses already, everybody just wants to do their bit.”