A young man was left black and blue by a gang of masked thugs who punched and kicked him to the floor.

The terrifying attack is being linked to a spate of similar incidents - some of which have involved victims being beaten with a wheel brace.

Each has happened as car owners have tackled the balaclava-wearing fiends after spotting them trying to pinch expensive alloy wheels.

In the latest incident, in Alans Road, Wickford, the victim was lucky to escape serious injury. His attackers appeared to relish the chance to use violence.

The victim, who is in his 20s, chased the thugs after seeing them fiddling with the wheels of a Ford Fiesta.

Det Con Ray Turner, of Wickford police, said: "The man fell over as he chased them - upon which the men turned back and started to kick and punch him.

"He tried to defend himself by curling up into a ball."

The gang then ran off down Dowsett Lane into the centre of Ramsden Heath, near the White Horse pub.

However, the determined victim - already badly bruised - dusted himself off and ran after the gang.

The gang again turned back - ready to attack again, but the victim turned on his heels and fled to safety.

Earlier this month, two thugs bludgeoned a defenceless 70-year-old Wickford man with a wheel brace when he caught them trying to break into his car.

Other incidents being linked with the gang, include a woman in Mountnessing Road, Billericay, who was knocked to the ground and a man in Downham who was also attacked with a wheelbrace. The thieves are in their mid 20s, and 6ft tall.

If you have information about any of the attacks - the last incident happened at 12.30am on Thursday - call police on 01268 561312.

Inspection - Det Con Gary Barber inspects the vehicle in the latest attack.

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