A disabled man in his 50s was “beaten to a pulp and left laying on the ground unconscious with a broken jaw” in Soham - despite pleading his attackers to stop.

The vicious attack, which happened near Churchgate Street on Saturday evening, has prompted taxi driver Robert Whiteford, of RCW Private Hire, to urge any witnesses to come forward.

Mr Whiteford drove the victim and his father to Addenbrooke’s hospital after the assault.

Police say that the man had been at The Ship pub and was walking home when a group of five or six men shouted at him across the road.

A police spokesman said: “They followed him, so the victim stopped to let them pass ahead of him when one of the group punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.

“He lost consciousness for a short time but made his way to The Fountain public house where was seen to by a member of staff.

“The following day this was reported to police and the victim also attended A&E at Addenbrooke’s to be treated for a broken jaw where he remains at this time. No arrests have been made.”

Taxi driver Mr Whtieford said on social media: “Looking for witnesses to a brutal attack in Soham on a lad that has special needs and can’t defend himself.

“He was walking home alone and was afraid to walk through the High Street due to the shouting, drunken crowd.

“He decided to use the alleyway and then got jumped on at about 11.45pm near the church.

“Although he pleaded for them to stop they just carried on beating him to a pulp and was left laying on the ground unconscious,

“The poor lad had no way of defending himself and just curled up in a ball until he was knocked out. This is a sick world that we live in and this needs to stop.”

The victim also suffered cuts and bruises and it is believed he will need a metal plate fitted to fix his jaw.

Mr Whiteford added: “I hate to see somebody down on their knees like that and I will do everything in my power to help this chap.”

Anyone with information should visit www.cambs.police.uk/report and quote 35/12962/18, or call 101.