A BRUTAL attack on a man outside a Houghton Regis shop left him with serious facial injuries.
The 24-year-old victim, who was trying to protect his home from a gang of youths, suffered a fractured eye socket and broken nose.
Now police are appealing for witnesses to the “very nasty assault” to come forward.
The attack happened at around 7.55pm on Tuesday, June 12 when the gang started throwing objects at the man’s house.
When he went outside to confront them they had already made their way to the Nisa Store in Neptune Square.
The victim approached the thugs but was then punched several times, causing the injuries to his eye and nose as well as other cuts and bruises.
He eventually managed to run away from the gang and call the police.
Det Con Claire Long, who is investigating the incident, is keen to hear from anyone who was in the Neptune Square area at the time of the attack and may have seen the gang assaulting the victim.
She said: “This was a very nasty assault on a man who was merely trying to protect his home and has now been left with some very serious injuries.
“I am appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the assault to come forward.
“Any information – however small or insignificant you may think it is – could really help with our enquiries.”
Bedfordshire Police arrested four men in connection with the incident and all have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
If you have information relating to the attack, contact Det Con Long, in confidence, on 01582 473286, the non-emergency number 101 or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.