Witness plea over savage attack

THE coroner has ruled that a homeless Oldham man was beaten to death in a savage attack - and has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Mathew Alexander Barrett (38) had been living rough in a derelict building in Partington Street before his body was found with horrific injuries in late August 2011.

Two men who knew Barrett were initially interviewed in connection with the unlawful killing, but later released.

On Tuesday, forensic pathologist Dr Phillip Lumb, who carried out a post-mortem examination said that Barrett had died from multiple internal and external injuries.

Dr Lumb believed the injuries — fractured ribs, bruised eyes, a collapsed lung and bruising on the brain - had been inflicted by an attack of punches, kicks and stamps.

Mr Nelson said: “I am in no doubt Matthew was unlawfully killed. Whatever his background and lifestyle, nobody deserved the beating and the savagery of the attack perpetrated on him. He was defenceless and the attack wholly unsurvivable.

“I urge anyone who has any information to come forward and help bring the perpetrator of this disgraceful act to justice.”