Ben Pennington pictured in intensive care by his father

A family ‘devastated’ as their 29-year-old son was left in a coma after an attack outside a nightclub have set up a fundraising page.

Ben Pennington, from Preston, remains in Royal Preston Hospital after the incident in October.

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He was taken to hospital after the attack outside the Level One nightclub in Market Street, Darwen on Saturday 15 October.

His father Mark Pennington has set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for the critical care unit that saved his son’s life.

A statement from the family said: “Our son was the was the victim of a vicious unprovoked attack that left him in a coma and on a life support machine, he had to have a five and a half hour operation to remove the front of his skull to reduce the pressure on his brain.

“We don’t know the full extent of Ben’s injuries but we have been told the road to recovery will more than likely be long. We want to put something in place and try to raise money to help with Bens’ care, needs and rehabilitation. God willing if Ben’s recovery is quick all monies raised will go to the critical care unit that saved his life.

“Ben is now off life support and awake he responds and sometimes talks, the road to recovery for him will be long and hard, we just want to do everything we can for him.

“Ben’s network of friends is truly remarkable, I urge you all to please share this page so we can get as much help he needs. Thank you Mark, Nikki, Danny, Claire.”

The family want to raise £25,000 by the end of November and have so far secured £2,550 against their target.

Lancashire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward in connection with the attack.

Temporary Detective Inspector Zoe Russo of the Force Major Investigation Team said: “The victim has sustained a significant head injury and is currently in hospital with his family by his side.

“While we have made one arrest, I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that may assist the investigation to contact us.

“Many people were inside the club at the time of the offence and we believe someone must have seen what happened.”

A 27-year-old man from Darwen was arrested on suspicion of assault on Saturday 15 October and has been released on bail until Tuesday 15 November.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20161015-0183. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111.