A SINGLE father was hospitalised for two days following a brutal gang attack in broad daylight.

The 33-year-old Canvey man, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, was walking across a field from Church Parade to Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, when he was jumped on by three men in a vicious unprovoked attack.

The three attackers, all aged between 20 and 25 years old, punched and kicked the man, leaving him shaken and covered in blood, before making off in the direction of Central Avenue empty handed.

The victim was admitted to Broomfield Hospital with three cracked ribs and bruising.

He had to undergo surgery after part of his ear was cut open in the assault. His four-year-old daughter thought her father had his face painted when she saw the bruising and blood on his face.

He said: “I was just walking over to Waterside Farm to ask about a fair they were holding, when this group of lads just jumped on me and started punching me and kicking me in the head.

“The blood was pouring over me. I had to go to hospital because it was so bad and my head was swelling up.

“They cracked three of my ribs and I’m in absolute agony. It’s killing me and I’m struggling to even get out of bed. I just can’t believe people would do this. Canvey used to be a nice place to live, but I think I’m going to have to move because I don’t want my daughter growing up here.”

The attackers were white, with slim-to-medium builds. One of them was wearing a luminous yellow Tshirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

Another attacker was wearing a light grey tracksuit and had a shaven head.

Detectives from Essex Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the attack, which happened at around 3pm on Saturday, April 26.

Det Con Christian Forbes, who is investigating said: “This was a nasty assault which the victim was not able to report until he had been treated in hospital.

“If anyone has any knowledge, or saw anything, please contact me at Southend CID on 101, ext 470302.”