A father was viciously attacked by a group of thugs after sticking up for his family.

The incident happened outside Costcutter in Engayne Avenue, Sandy, when the innocent passer-by, who was with his children, was targeted by the group of youths who began to shout verbal abuse at him.

But after telling the rowdy teenagers to pipe down he was then attacked and was punched twice and kicked repeatedly while lying on the ground.

The victim sustained a fractured cheekbone, black eye, bruising all over his head and has suffered seizures as a result.

He was taken to hospital where he remained overnight.

The incident took place on Sunday, September 21 between 7pm and 7.15pm.

Beds Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

The two thugs who carried out the attack are described as white males of average build.

The first is described as 5ft 11ins tall, around 17 years old, and wore a black baseball cap, back vest, grey jogging bottoms and trainers.

The second attacker was around 5ft 8ins tall, aged around 15, and was wearing a grey hoodie, jogging bottoms and trainers.

Anyone with information on the assault can call Pc Simon Oldfield on 01234 842522.