A MAN has been violently assaulted in an Ashton pub.

At about 9.45pm on Saturday, May 3, he was in the toilets of the Ash Tree pub on Wellington Road when he was verbally abused by another man.

The offender then head butted the 42-year-old man and punched him in the face, knocking him unconsicous.

The victim was left with a broken jaw and partial paralysis to his face.

Detective Constable Darryl Cunningham of Ashton CID said: "This was a cowardly and completely unprovoked attack on somebody who offered no resistance and was in no position to defend himself. The levels of violence directed at him were shocking.

"I would appeal to anyone that may have been in the pub at the time of the assault, or who knows who may be responsible, to call the police. If they are reluctant to become directly involved I would remind them that Crimestoppers is a valuable method of passing information to the police."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050, Ashton CID on 0161 856 9254 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.