This father-of-three was last night in a critical condition in hospital after he was the victim of a vicious beating.

Detectives yesterday took the unusual step of releasing Christopher Drake’s photograph in the hope that witnesses to the unprovoked attack at the Holme Wood Social Club in Broadstone Way will come forward.

Mr Drake’s family have been holding a vigil at his hospital bedside as doctors treat the 42-year-old for extensive head injuries.

Police said his girlfriend was “understandably distraught” by the attack which has left his life on the line. Detective Inspector Ian Bryar, of Bradford South CID, said officers were following various leads in their hunt for the attacker but they were urgently appealing to other people who were in the club on the night of the attack on June 3 to contact police.

Det Insp Bryer said: “We believe that Christopher was physically assaulted by a man in the club in what appears to have been a vicious and unprovoked attack.

“That evening, there was a function taking place where there will have been a lot of people in the vicinity who may have seen this unfold.

“We hope that the release of Christopher’s picture will encourage anyone who was there at the time to come forward.

“Ask yourself, do you remember seeing him and did you witness the circumstances leading to this assault?

“If you did, we would like to hear from you immediately as you may be able to assist in our investigations.

“Christopher’s family are at his bedside and are supporting officers in their inquiries.”

He said Mr Drake’s family were too distraught to comment.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information about the incident, which occurred at about 11.30pm last Friday, should contact Bradford South CID via 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

  • Read the full story Friday’s T&A