England supporter Andrew Bache left fighting for his life after being ‘ambushed by Russian hooligans’ showing ‘signs of improvement’

THE England fan left in a coma after being ‘ambushed by Russian hooligans’ at Euro 2016 has opened his eyes for the first time.

Andrew Bache, 51, was attacked by a group of Russians armed with iron bars and suffered a cardiac arrest, extensive brain injuries and a lung infection.

But his brother Dean last night revealed the Portsmouth fan was “showing  more signs of improvement” and “even opened both eyes”.

Andrew – known as Pepe to friends – was left fighting for his life when clashes broke out between fans during the Three Lions’ opening game in Marseille.

He was said to have suffered life changing injuries and his son Harry has since flown from Australia to visit his dad in France.

Last night his brother Dean, 53, confirmed: “Andy is still unconscious but is responding well to any tests they are doing.

“They are very happy with his heart rate and blood pressure and every day he is showing more signs of improvement. There was no negative comments or decline in anything. She obviously airs on the side of caution with what she says so not to give people false expecting and she did say that at the moment it’s just time,it’s a slow process.”

It is expected that dad-of-one Andrew will have an operation “in 10 to 15 days to repair his broken face”.

Dean, who lives in Portsmouth, Hants, like his brother, added: “I’m not ashamed to say I cried for the first time today.

“I held his hand and he closed his hand and gripped mine. When Harry went in last he had to call the nurse in as he began to move his arms about and even opened both eyes.”

Son Harry, 26, confirmed his dad had suffered a “cardiac arrest and also has a lung infection plus extensive brain injuries”.

A JustGiving fundraising page had been setup for Mr Bache’s treatment, and has raised nearly £20,000 with fans from around the world showing their support.

Tesco delivery driver Andrew was in France for England’s opener against Russia when his life was “saved by the French police who gave him CPR” following the “unprovoked” attack.

It was reported that Russian hooligans shouted “Die, die, die” and spat at the innocent England fan as he lay unconscious.

Friend Jay Ricketts, 44, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack by the Russians. He sustained severe head injuries.”

A second friend, who did not want to be named, added: “He got caught up in it. He got smashed over the head with a hammer or iron bar four or five times.

“The Russians came into the square. It’s quite sickening. Most people got away but he got caught up in it.”

On Saturday night Russian thugs stormed the English section of Marseilles’ Velodrome.

Fans have described their horror as the hooligans forced them flee and one man was seen carrying his terrified young son away from the fighting in the stands.

A second England fan, Stewart Gray, of Hinckley, Leicestershire, was left in a coma after being attacked by marauding Russian Ultras in France

The horror escalated last night after a fresh wave of violence erupted between Three Lions supporters and hardcore Russian Ultras at the Euros.

French riot cops sprayed tear gas and charged at Brits following a series of savage battles on the streets with Russian fans.

To help Andrew’s friends and family in raising money to aid his recovery visit .

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