Family and friends of a brutal weekend street attack victim are hopeful the public can provide vital clues in the hunt for his attacker.
Arbroath decorator Mike Swankie was assaulted in the town’s Russell Street as he made his way home from a night out.
Police were called to the area around 3am following reports of an incident. The dad-of-one suffered serious head injuries which left him in a coma.
To the relief of family and friends, he has now woken but they remain worried for his condition, although they are hopeful he will make a full recovery.
Police carried out door-to-door inquiries in the Russell Street/Elliot Street area following the assault, as well as scrutinising CCTV recordings and are still hunting his attackers.
Mike’s cousin Andy Thain said: “The whole family are worried sick it was shocking.
“It’s the sort of stuff that should never happen. We just hope he can make a speedy recovery and that there’s no permanent damage.
“He has a son, so it must be horrific for him to have to go through this,” he added.
It is understood a friend of Mr Swankie’s had been having a leaving night out and the victim was on his way home.
Mr Thain added: “There aren’t many people out at that time, so he could have been left there for hours and it could have been far worse.
“We just want anyone who has seen or heard anything to come forward. Things have been put on Facebook about it, so I’ve been sharing them in case anyone saw something.”
Anyone with information should contact Tayside Police on 101.