A GOOD samaritan was punched after he tried to stop a sickening attack.

He had seen a group of five men kicking a 21-year-old man who was lying helpless on the floor.

They had knocked him down by punching him in the face outside the One Stop Shop in Billericay High Street.

But a 38-year-old passer-by decided enough was enough and told them to leave him alone.

They punched him in the head causing him to fall to the ground. He was left with a cuts and a bump to his head.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack which happened at about 2.05am on New Year's Day.

Luckily the younger man escaped with bruising and swelling to his eye, nose and forehead. Neither victim had to be taken to hospital.

The group of suspects were all described as being between 17-19-years old.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Griffiths at Wickford police station on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.