Julie Pitcher said: "Respect for others has vanished in this town. We have crime phone lines but most of the time they are useless. People will phone and give names etc, but then say "but I don't want to get involved". People see things but are too scared to say anything so the police can do nothing. It will continue like this till people realise by saying something and helping the scum that do these things face the consequences of what they have done it will never stop."

Christine Rowan said: "What is wrong with people... I hope the Gentleman makes a speedy recovery and let’s hope they get this horrible person that injured him!"

Lucy King said: "This town is actually disgusting - as if no one knows who's done this!"

Julie Preston said: "How sick, no morals or respect, hope the gentleman is ok?"

Carl Evans said: "The place is getting unsafe for the older generation. The young ones are taking over and getting away with their actions."

Dave Vincent said: "Shocking that someone would even do that!"

Greg Rose said: "I hope the guy is okay and the coward is arrested."

Ray Guselli said: "The problem is that this will continue and get worse because we have no effective deterrent which the perpetrators of such crimes fear... The slap on the wrist does not work and tags are worn as badges of honour... More evidence of our failing and weak justice system... Most importantly, let's hope the poor gentleman is ok and makes a full recovery... Such an awful thing to have happened."

Joanna Brady said: "People blame the police, it’s not their fault... They are a public service there to help the public and yes people once feared the police, although, really they feared the justice system, but now we have a joke of a justice system and there is nothing to fear."

Melanie Clarke said: "Someone knows who the culprit is."