Brick attack appeal to girls

CCTV images of the girls police want to speak to

POLICE are appealing for three girls to contact them after a 25-year-old serving soldier was attacked with a brick following a night out in Oldham.

Patrick McQuaid, from Royton, was assaulted on Union Street at about 3.35am on December 12.

He suffered a fractured skull and wounds to his head and face.

Detectives have now released CCTV images of three girls they would like to trace who they believe witnessed what happened.

It is believed the girls had just left the Tokyo Project nightclub in Roscoe Street and are seen talking to a number of men, one of who is dressed as Father Christmas, in Union Street shortly before the assault.

Father-of-one Mr McQuaid has been a soldier with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment for eight years.

He has served two tours of duty in Iraq but has had to postpone his return to active service for a year because of his injuries. He said: “I had to have a four-hour operation to remove brick from my brain and I’ve been left with permanent scars.

“I feel terrible, with lots of migraines and I don’t really go out much now.”

Det Cons Keith Talbot, of Oldham CID, said: “The victim suffered appalling injuries after being hit with a brick and I am certain the girls in the CCTV will have witnessed something of what went on that evening. I want to stress that they are simply potential witnesses to the assault.

“When assaults happen, it is vitally important the public help us so we can ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

Call Oldham CID on 0161 856 8951, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

l James Osbourne (22), of Zealand Street, Oldham, has been charged with Section 18 Assault and is due to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court on April 5.