Scots dad left with 'life-changing' injuries after unprovoked attack outside Blackpool hotel

The family of Scottish dad who was left with life-changing injuries following an unprovoked assault in Blackpool have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Lancashire Police officers were called to Tyldesley Road in the seaside town at around 1am on July 28, 2024 following reports of an altercation.

John Forsyth from East Lothian was found unresponsive on the ground outside the Shores Hotel after he had attempted to intervene in an altercation.

The 57-year-old dad-of-two had been on a trip with his daughter when the attack took place.

He was taken to hospital, where he remains with life-changing head injuries.

Police said they have interviewed six men in their 30s and a man in his 20s under caution on suspicion of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

His family have issued a statement via Lancashire Police appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

They said: “During a trip away with his daughter, something they have done many times before, John was the victim of an unprovoked attack that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.

“Before the attack John was always active, had his own business and coached children’s football in his local community, all of this has now been impacted by a random assault that has left him with life-changing injuries.

“John’s wife, daughter, son and wider family and friends have been deeply affected by the random nature of the assault and the consequences of his injury.

“The assault happened on July 28, 2024 and John is still in hospital, thankfully previous medical complications appear to have settled and he is now in rehab.

“He is also now more aware of what happened and he, and the family, are looking for someone to be held responsible for what has happened to him, which has changed his life significantly and will continue to do so.

“This could have been anyone’s dad, son, uncle or friend and so John and the family are asking anyone with any information to help identify the individuals involved to come forward to hopefully prevent this happening to anyone else.”

Lancashire Police said: “If you witnessed the assault or were in Tyldesley Road around 1am on July 28, or you have dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible.

“Also, if you were in Happy Scot’s bar prior to 1am, we also want to hear from you.

“Email 3291@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0103 of July 28, 2024.”