A PUBLICAN has revealed how he battled for his life when he tackled a burglar who stabbed him five times in the head with a screwdriver.

Brave Mike Shepherd, landlord of the George and Dragon in Bury, suffered a further three stab wounds to his chest and arm, and cuts to his stomach.

Speaking publicly for the first time since Friday morning's (Dec 6) frenzied attack, Mr Shepherd said the values learned as a former soldier and firefighter forced him to protect his home from the armed intruder.

"I have worked hard for what I have got and I am not going to let some scum take it away from me," said Mr Shepherd. "I have values and I say who is welcome into my home. This thug was not welcome."

The attack on the 51-year-old happened on the tail-end of a series of burglaries at three other pubs just hours earlier. Break-ins occurred at the Bay Horse in Parr Lane, Unsworth, the Roach Bank Inn at Croft Lane, Hollins, and the Church Inn at Bury New Road, Whitefield.

The burglary at the George and Dragon, in Rochdale Old Road, happened minutes before 7am when a lone raider forced a first-floor window. Mr Shepherd, who has run the pub for nearly four years, said: "I was in bed when I heard my two Shih-tzu dogs barking as they would when the window cleaner arrives.

"I noted a subtle change in the sound of their bark and I flung myself out of bed and got my dressing gown on and went into the hallway, which was in pitch darkness. I was struck across the left cheek, possibly with a fist, and then struck again. I felt blood pouring down my nose but I didn't think I had been stabbed.

"I went forward and came into contact with a person and grabbed hold of him. He shouted to let go of him or he would stab me. By that time I was committed. I realised then that I was going to be fighting for my life."

Grappling with the burglar, Mr Shepherd was stabbed three times in the forehead, twice to the back of his head and three times in the body and arm.

The former Royal Corps of Transport soldier refused to let go of the attacker as he tried to wriggle out of a first-floor window. Mr Shepherd said: "Because of my injuries, shock was beginning to set in. This lad was strong and I could feel myself getting weaker.

"I called to my wife, Lynne, and she managed to grab hold of his leg while ringing the police."

Despite their actions, the burglar fell ten feet from the window into the rear yard. "I thought I had killed him," said the father-of-two. "After a few minutes though, he began to stir and then walked very gingerly across the car park and up the lane."

It is believed the intruder made his way to a waiting car before escaping.

After the attack, police cordoned off the car park while forensic officers searched the area for clues to his identity.

Mr Shepherd was taken to nearby Fairfield General Hospital and was allowed home on Sunday afternoon (Dec 8).

Detectives investigating the attack are now appealing for help in identifying the attacker who is described as white, aged in his early 20s, 5ft 8in tall with short, dark hair.

Detective Sergeant Dave Baines has warned other landlords to be on their guard following a spate of burglaries on pubs in the borough.

He said: "Mr Shepherd was very brave in tackling the offender and suffered what can only be described as a violent and frenzied attacked by the burglar.

"I would urge any licensee to ensure that security measures are in place and fully operational. If people come face to face with offenders, then they should remember that property can be replaced, lives can't."

Witnesses should contact Bury CID on 856 8150 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.