Hearts fan dad left with brain injury after brutal attack outside Blackpool hotel

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A dad has been left with a 'life-changing' brain injury after being battered outside a hotel following a Hearts game.

John Forsyth, 57, from Tranent in East Lothian, had travelled to the Blackpool with his daughter to watch the Edinburgh side take on Fleetwood in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 27. But the dad-of-two was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack outside The Shores hotel after he reportedly tried to intervene in an altercation between a group of men.

John was rushed to hospital and placed in an induced coma. Fourteen weeks on, medics are continuing to treat his severe head injuries.

His family has now released a statement through Lancashire Police pleading for witnesses to help identify the men who attacked him.

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.

"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.”

Officers 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. Cops say their enquiries are ongoing and they are continuing to appeal for information.

Police have asked anyone who witnessed the attack to get in contact. Sunderland fans were also visiting the seaside resort that weekend to watch their team play Blackpool and police would like to speak to anyone who was in Happy Scots bar prior to 1am.

In a post on the Jambos Kickback forum, a friend said: "John was jumped and badly beaten by football 'supporters' and was put in an induced coma having serious head injuries. He was later described as stable. John is one of the quietest easy going lads I know. Get well soon bud."

Another pal added: "Absolutely gobsmacked when I heard the news about John. As everyone says, he’s the nicest man in the world. It was a completely unprovoked attack which also resulted in his daughter’s boyfriend receiving a broken nose. Get well soon, John, all of Prestonpans Hearts send their best."

Anyone with information is asked to email 3291@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0103 of July 28, 2024.

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