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 due to 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.

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.