A 19-year-old man is “lucky to be alive” following a vicious gang attack in north Shropshire, his father said today.

Paul Morris can only communicate at present by blinking after he suffered serious head injuries in the attack in Whitchurch. He was found unconscious in a garden in the town after a gang went on the rampage with bottles and metal bars in an early morning brawl at the weekend.

Mr Morris remains in the high dependency unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent, where his condition was today described as “stable”.

Mr Morris, of Cross O’The Hill Road, Nomansheath, developed a blood clot and is unable to speak.

Michael Morris, his father, said: “He can only communicate by opening and shutting his eyes.

“The doctors don’t know yet if they will have to operate as his head is still very swollen.”I don’t really know what happened beforehand so I am just letting the police get on with their investigation.

“At the end of the day, lads will be lads but there’s a difference between lads fighting and this attack.

“Paul was on his own when he was attacked.

“I only hope there will be an example made. If they are allowed to get away with something like this then what’s the next stage?

“Paul is very lucky to be alive.”

Mr Morris was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after the attack on Saturday at about 2.20am and later transferred to the Stoke hospital.

Mr Morris senior said his son was popular and he had received more than 40 calls from friends since the attack.

Six youths who were arrested following the attack in Smallbrook Road have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. They were arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call West Mercia Police on 08457 444888.

By Deborah Collins