A PENSIONER was left with a broken nose, concussion and needing 30 stitches after he was repeatedly coshed by three thugs.

Police said the horror attack was “motiveless”.

The victim had been at the Working Man’s Club, in London Road, Grays, when the brutal attack happened.

He left to go home and was walking towards the bus stops in Crown Road.

The man waved down a taxi and spoke to the driver before the cab drove off after the victim decided to continue walking.

He walked along London Road and as he passed the Aldi store he was set upon.

The three men jumped on him and, using either an iron bar or cosh, repeatedly rained blows on his head and face.

The terrified man was beaten to the ground where, as he lay injured, the thugs continued to strike him with the weapons.

They only stopped when a woman passer-by shouted at them, prompting them to run off.

The wounded man was rushed to Basildon Hospital by paramedics where he was treated for severe facial wounds.

Roger Grimwade, spokesman for Essex Police, said detectives are probing the horrific attack.

He said: “This was a vicious and motiveless attack on a man who had been out for a social evening.

“We desperately need information from witnesses to help find the men responsible.”

Police also want to hear from the woman passer-by and the taxi driver who may be key witnesses.

The thugs are all described as white men, possibly of eastern european origin.

Witnesses to the attack, which happened at 11pm on Saturday, November 7, can contact investigating officer PC Rachel Martin, at South Ockendon police, on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.