POLICE arrested three men in connection with a serious attack on a Cleobury Mortimer worker who suffered a fractured spine after an unprovoked assault on Saturday night.

The man, who has not been named, was hit from behind while walking home along the High Street towards the New Bridge at about 10.30pm on Saturday. He was knocked to the ground and beaten unconscious.

The man, a Scot, was working as a joiner at the Pioneer Outward Bound Centre. He also suffered cuts and bruises and a large cut to the back of his head.

He regained consciousness in an alleyway leading to The Stables about 400 yards from the scene of the attack.

"He has no idea how he got there or how long he lay in the alleyway," said Det Con Matt Ridgway. "At this stage we are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen the victim just before or just after the attack."

The injured man is described as about six feet tall, well built, with short brown hair and wearing beige chino trousers and a brown checked sweater that would have been blood-stained.

The three men have been released on bail and the Scot, whose injuries were not life-threatening, has been transferred to an Aberdeen hospital to be near his family.

Anyone with information should call the police 08547 444888.