Anthony Crolla "devastated" by brutal assault

Anthony Crolla has vowed to return to the ring "stronger than ever" following a brutal attack which left him in hospital with a fractured skull.

The 28-year-old was hit over the head with a concrete slab as he chased two robbers away from a neighbour's home last week.

As well as requiring 12 stitches to his head, Crolla, who was later forced to pull out of January's WBA world lightweight title bout, also needed a plate and pin inserted into his ankle which was broken in the alleged attack.

"It'll be a tough road back but I promise that I will be back stronger than ever in 2015," he tweeted. "Thanks so much again. I can't thank everyone on here enough for all the messages of support.

"Honestly taken aback by them all, they've meant the absolute world to me and my family. I'm devastated over what happened and having to pull out of my fight but I've got a lot to be thankful for as I'm a very lucky man."

A 17-year-old male was later arrested in connection with the incident.