A 58-year-old man was beaten up in a vicious attack and left lying in the middle of Hale Road.

He is still being treated for head injuries in Whiston hospital.

The man, who has not been named, has undergone a brain scan.

"There is some slight bleeding on his brain which will eventually drain naturally," said a spokesman for Cheshire police.

"He was badly knocked about. We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident."

The attack happened at 10.15am on Monday, September 28, in Hale Road near the junction of Liverpool Road.

The offender was seen driving off in a red Peugeot 306 by passengers on the number 12 bus from Halebank to Widnes town centre.

Passers-by rushed to the help of the injured man and looked after him until an ambulance arrived.

Detectives this week appealed for passengers who were on the number 12 bus and any other witnesses to come forward.

Det Con John Reynolds of Widnes CID is leading the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact him, in the strictest confidence, on 01244-613733 or 613734.

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