A MAN was brutally beaten and left in a pool of blood with a fractured jaw after being followed into a Ledbury alley.

Robert Smith, 38, from Ledbury, says he has no idea why he was singled out by a group of men on Monday night.

He was treated by an ambulance crew at the scene and then taken to hospital in Hereford.

Still finding it hard to talk because of his injuries, he said: "They just hit me for nothing. I said nothing to them and they took no money. I don't cause trouble."

Mr Smith was followed into an alley known locally as Fox Lane, off the Homend, between 10pm and 10.30pm. He had walked an elderly friend home after an evening in the Prince of Wales pub.

Mr Smith was found by a friend, pensioner Doreen Summerfield, who said: "He was in a dreadful state. He was covered in blood, on his hands and face, and I just comforted him. He was just grateful that someone was there.

"I know Robert. He's a very inoffensive man and would not harm anyone."

Mrs Summerfield had approached the scene after hearing sounds of the assault.

Another friend, Neil Jenkins, spoke of a pool of blood in the alley after the beating. He commented: "Robert wouldn't say boo to a goose."

Town councillor Tony Bradford, who also knows Mr Smith, said: "I must stress, the community is outraged."

Detective Sergeant Pete Butcher, of Ledbury Police, said four males, aged between 14 and 42, had been arrested following the incident.

They have been put on police bail until early August, while investigations continue.

Investigating officer, PC Dave Hamilton, said: "The victim had walked a friend home and had crossed the road and entered the alleyway, at the side of the Raduni restaurant, when he was attacked from behind, sustaining injuries which required treatment at Hereford County Hospital.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in The Homend at the time and may have seen the attack."

PC Hamilton can be contacted on 08457 444888.