Coma man wakes up hours before birthday

A father of four attacked by yobs is celebrating his birthday today, hours after waking up from an 18-day coma.

The news came as a boy of 15 was arrested in London - 250 miles from the scene of the attack - and was being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder.

Phil Carroll regained consciousness in a hospital intensive care unit as his family were preparing for his 49th birthday today. He was left fighting for life after tackling a gang who threw a stone at his car outside his home near Salford, Greater Manchester.

Mr Carroll, a project manager, is said to be in a poorly but stable condition.