A YOUNG man thought he was going to die when a gang launched a terrifying four-minute attack in broad daylight.

Ben Preece lost his sight for 10 minutes and was left covered in bruises when the gang of around eight Asians robbed him as he walked to a shop, near a friend's house.

"They were looking for a fight. They could have taken the money without doing this," the 24-year-old said.

"They were mainly just going for my head. It went on for four minutes, but it felt like forever. I thought they were never going to stop. I thought they were going to end up killing me."

He said tried to escape three times, but two of the gang sat on his legs and left the others to punch and kick him in the face and body.

His ordeal went on until he managed to struggle free and the gang ran off.

The attack happened around 3.30pm on Tuesday in an alley off Reservoir Lane, Rainbow Hill, Worcester.

One man approached Mr Preece and asked for 20p. When he said he had no money, the gang leader punched him in the face and the rest joined in. After the assault, they stole £20 from him.

Staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital were surprised that the victim - of Cherry Orchard, Worcester - had not suffered broken bones.

"One side of my face was so swollen you couldn't recognise me," he said.

Ben's mother, Terri, is urging people to provide information about the attack.

"I was shocked when I saw him. I was horrified something like this could happen," she said.

"They could have killed him. He took so many blows to his head. He was lucky not to have suffered worse injuries. If it happens again, the victim might not be so lucky."

The attackers were in their 20s and wearing a lot of jewellery. All but two wore baseball caps.

The main offender was 6ft and of medium build, wearing a light green shirt, a blue hooded Nike top, dark jeans, a grey Nike cap and new Nike Air Max trainers.

He was wearing a thick gold neck chain and had gold rings on both hands. He spoke with a West Midlands or Birmingham accent.

"We don't condone any sort of violence and we'd urge anyone with information to come forward," said a police spokeswoman. "If people don't want to be identified, they can phone Crimestoppers anonymously."

Witnesses can call PC Julie Merry, on 01905 723888, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.