POLICE have released CCTV footage of a man who they want to trace following a brutal attack that left a man with multiple fractures to his skull and limbs.

Gerard Williams was battered and left for dead when he was attacked by balaclava-wearing a man with a baseball bat.

The man police are searching for can be seen getting out of a blue Renault Megane while wearing a distinctive boiler suit with reflective stripes.

Father-of-three Gerard Williams, of Whinney Banks, remains in hospital almost six months after the brutal assault.

He was found on the night of Thursday, January 30, close to a path at the junction of Acklam Road and Weatherhead Avenue. He had been hit between 20 and 30 times.

Detective Inspector Mark Dimelow said: “This was a sustained attack working up from his legs to his head causing fractures throughout his body.

“He was left severely beaten on the floor, the offender walks off and then thinks actually, 'I want to assault this male some more'. So he comes back again and he attacks Gerard again. Again working throughout his body.”

Mr Williams was found in the street at 7.45pm and taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough by ambulance.

The 42-year-old was put into an induced coma at the hospital.

He has since been brought out of his coma, but is still being treated in hospital.

Det Insp Dimelow believes that this was a targeted attack and believes people in Whinney Banks hold the key to finding the person responsible.

The force has confirmed that all six people arrested in connection with the case have now been released without charge.

Anyone who has information should contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.