AN armed gang beat a man with baseball bats during a vicious attack in front of his bewildered partner.

Detectives are appealing for information after 30-year-old man was repeatedly struck, punched and kicked to the head during the sustained attack which fractured his eye socket and damaged his skull.

The attack took place off Bradford Bury close to the A127.

The police have issued an urgent appeal to help find the thugs and have praised members of the public who helped the victim.

Det Con Samantha Winter, of Southend CID, said: “We believe that as the couple walked passed the three men, they intentionally bumped into the victim’s shoulder “The victim turned around and was stuck in the face. The other two people were hiding baseball bats and repeatedly hit, kicked and punched the man.

“We have CCTV of these individuals and we continue to make our enquiries to locate them.

“A car pulled up and two men got out and assisted the couple and helped them into their car before driving them to hospital.

“I’d like to thank them for their actions. They remain unidentified and I’m urging them to contact us.”

The first suspect has been described as being of mixed heritage, around 5ft 8ins and he was wearing a black puffy coat with a hood.

The second suspect has been described as being white, around 5ft 8ins and of a larger build.

He had either a goatee or stubble on his chin and was wearing a black of blue woolly hat.

The third suspect has been described as being white, he was shorter than the other two men, and had a scarf over his mouth.

The victim described them as being aged in their mid-20s.

The scene of the attack is a partially wooded cut through close to the A127 at the junction with Progress Road.

The incident took place on November 30 at 9.45pm.

The man required staples to his head.

The CCTV footage has not been released.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam should call Southend CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/189912/19.

You can also report crime online at www.essex.police.uk. Those not wanting to be identified can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also contact them online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.