Thugs left a police community support officer with a fractured nose in a “vicious and unprovoked” attack as he patrolled a South Staffordshire village.

Tim Woodley, who is in his 40s, was left with serious injuries to his face after the attack by “several men” in Wombourne last night.

The yobs, who are believed to have been in a blue car, are feared to have stamped on the officer’s head in the attack, which happened at around 9pm.

A near 100 yard stretch of Brook Road, where the attack happened, was sealed off today as police forensic teams combed the area for clues.

The officer was taken to Dudley’s Russells Hall Hospital, and was released this morning.

He was understood to be recovering at home, in the Kinver area, today.

Supt Adrian Bloor, of Staffordshire police, said today: “This was a violent, unprovoked attack which we are treating very seriously. We would urge anyone with information – particularly about the blue car – to contact us immediately.

“PCSOs play a crucial role in neighbourhood policing, which we know is highly valued by the public.”

One resident, who asked not to be named, said today: “I heard he went up to a group of youths who pulled their hoods up and set about him.

“They apparently got him on the ground and are supposed to have stamped on his head.”

The attackers struck by a shortcut from the estate to a brook and open countryside.

Residents said it was a favourite gathering spot for gangs of yobs.

One, too frightened of reprisals to be named, said: “They drink and mess about. You can hear them hooting and hollering down by the brook at night.

“My husband’s a big bloke but he wouldn’t go down there on his own at night with them about.”

Local residents said that the injured officer was known as Tim.

One said: “He was helping the youngsters with their bikes just the other day.

“He’s a great bloke and I hope he’s not too badly hurt.”

Witnesses should contact Staffordshire police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.