TWO Good Samaritans were savagely attacked by a gang of up to ten thugs after rushing to the aid of a man being assaulted.

One of the victims may require reconstructive surgery to his face, such was the ferocity of the beating. He may also suffer permanent injury.

The incident happened after a 39-year-old man heard something bang against his car at the double roundabout near the Greenridge Pub in Upton at 11.20pm on Friday.

When he got out to look he was set upon by around ten people and sustained minor injuries.

Two men, passing by with their family in another car, stopped to help, but the group turned its attention on them and left both men seriously injured.

One victim, a 23-year-old from Poole, suffered serious facial fractures which will require a number of operations and the other, aged 43, sustained a number of cuts to his face which required stitching.

DC Lee Rutter of Poole CID said: "This was an unprovoked attack which happened in front of the victims' family members.

"We know there were lots of people in the area but not all of them stayed to be seen by the police. Somebody must know who did this or must have some information for us.

"The victims have been left completely shaken by this and devastated.

"They are nice people, lovely members of the public that stopped to help somebody and they got this for their troubles.

"One of them is still in hospital and will require a number of operations for his injuries."

The 23 year old underwent an operation yesterday afternoon.

"We are all hoping for the best for him," added DC Rutter.

The family Poole was together for the weekend for a christening which went ahead as planned yesterday.

Dorset Police are urging witnesses to come forward. Anyone with any information should contact DC Lee Rutter on 01202 223333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in the early hours of Saturday morning which left three men in need of hospital treatment.

Two men were arrested in Leigh Road after police received reports of public disorder at half past midnight. Three men were taken to Poole General Hospital and treated for non life-threatening injuries.