A FATHER who was left with a fractured skull during a £20 robbery has told how he could have been killed.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Michael Dabbs, 39, said he was knocked unconscious in Booth Road, Stacksteads, on Sunday morning, after being approached from behind and hit on the back of his head by a weapon-wielding robber.

He suffered a fractured skull and was left lying unconscious on the main road, where a passing taxi driver narrowly missed running him over.

Police said the driver swerved to avoid him before stopping and calling an ambulance.

Michael, of Philips Road, Weir, had been socialising in Beaconsfield Conservative Club, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, following a Cricket match he had been playing for Bridgeholme Cricket Club, Todmorden.

After drinking four pints of beer during the evening he was making his way back to his parents' house in Booth Road when he was attacked.

Police said his attacker fled with the cash which had been in Michael's back pocket. His mobile phone and cricket bag were not stolen.

Michael, who works at Perplas in Bacup, as a machine operator, was admitted to Rochdale Infirmary before being discharged on Sunday afternoon.

He went back to hospital later that day after suffering severe headaches where he remains today. It is not yet known if surgery will be needed.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Michael, who is married to Bernadette and has a 13-year-old son, Luke, said: "I am just glad it was me and not somebody older who may not have recovered from an attack like this.

"I realise that I could have died or my injuries could have been a lot worse if the taxi hadn't seen me.

"I feel horrendous at the moment. My head feels a mushy-mess and today is the first day that my vision has not been blurred.

"I think it's a cowardly thing to have done as there was no way I could defend myself or be given the opportunity to give the person what they wanted. If I ever saw this person I would tell them to get a life.

"My son is especially upset about it as he was beaten up last week by two boys as he made his way home from school.

"It has upset him to see me like this. My parents are very angry about what's happened. The night after this happened everybody at the club got taxis home because they didn't feel safe."

Police are today hunting the attacker and urged witnesses to come forward. They are also appealing for the taxi driver to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Andy Gilbert said: "This was a nasty attack that was completely unprovoked.

"We still need to speak to the taxi driver as he is a potential witness. He is not under suspicion but we do need to speak to him.

"We are also urging anybody else who may have been in the area or seen any suspicious activity prior or after the attack to contact us."

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 01706 237440 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.