A MAN was savagely attacked because he did not have a cigarette.


A couple were walking along Springfield Road, Chelmsford, when a group attacked, leaving the man in hospital for two nights.
 

The incident happened at 2am on July 22 and police are desperate for help to find the people responsible.


The couple were trying to find a payphone in order to call for a taxi when they were approached by four people, one of whom asked the man for a cigarette.
 

The man stated he did not smoke and was then hit on the side of the head with an object similar to a brick before being repeatedly punched by all four people while injured on the floor.


The man was taken to Broomfield Hospital and was treated for serious facial injuries. He is now recovering at home.
 

Det Con Shelley Tarling, said: "We’re hoping that someone can recall this street assault or remember seeing this couple in the town centre that Saturday evening, Sunday morning.
"It’s a possibility that this group followed the couple for some distance before setting upon them in a secluded spot of Springfield.”


The thugs are described as being in their early 20s, three of whom are men and one being a woman.
 

The main attacker was wearing dark tracksuit bottoms.


Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Chelmsford police station on 101.