DETECTIVES hunting a vicious thug who battered a pensioner have vowed: “With your help, we can put this yob behind bars.”

Officers from Bury CID have been investigating the horrific case of 81-year-old Alfred McManus, pictured, who was attacked in an alleyway on the border of Prestwich and Whitefield on April 17. They are following a number of leads and urging the public to help. And some treasured photographs could be the key to unlocking the case.

The attacker stole a bag from him containing sentimental pictures of Mr McManus’s train trip from Lands End to John O’Groats for his 80th birthday.

Officers believe the photographs were either dumped close to the scene or may have been seen by people if they were offered the bag for sale.

Detective Constable Ian Smith said: “All lines of inquiry have proved negative so far but we are determined to catch who was responsible for this despicable attack.

“If anyone has come across these photos or the bag, please get in touch as it may lead us to the offender.

“Mr McManus is recovering from his injuries but has been left with mental scars from his ordeal and will not forget what happened.

“The alleyway is in a secluded area and unfortunately Mr McManus was so distressed, he was unable to remember a description of the man, so we are relying on information from from the public. If you were around the Stanley Avenue North area at the time of the incident and may have seen a man running, carrying a black canvas bag, I would ask you to come forward.”

Mr McManus left his house, off Bury New Road near Tesco, after noon and was walking to meet a pal in the Coach and Horses pub in Whitefield.

As he walked through the alleyway, someone approached him from behind and hit him on the head with a heavy object causing him to fall. The attacker demanded money and when Mr McManus said he had none, the thug kicked him and stamped on him before rifling through his pockets, stealing £11 in coins.

In a plea for mercy, Mr McManus tried to hand his attacker a £10 note but the yob had already fled.

Mr McManus managed to stagger to Kirkham’s Garage where shocked staff called 999.

He was taken to North Manchester General Hospital suffering from fractured ribs, a large cut above his right eye and bruising and allowed home later that day but had to spend two more nights in hospital as his injuries were so painful.

Mr McManus said at the time: “It was a traumatic experience, something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.

“But I am not going to let this man keep me indoors. As soon as I am better, I will be back down the Coach and Horses with my friends.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8199.