WALKERS who stumbled across a vicious assault in an isolated country park described how the victim was groaning in pain.

Carol Gladding and Coral Rudd were searching for bluebells at Orwell Country Park, just off the A14, when they witnessed the brutal attack on Liam Rumsey.

Mr Rumsey, 21, of Ipswich, had to undergo brain surgery after the assault, on May 3.

“I could see someone being kicked and hit with an implement of some sort. They seemed to be kicking from all sides,” said Mrs Gladding, as she gave evidence at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday.

A few seconds later, the gang walked away and the friends both said one was carrying a weapon.

Mrs Rudd explained that they did no approach the group, or even make eye contact, fearing they would turn on them and instead attended to Mr Rumsey.

“He had a lot of blood on his head and there was blood on the grass. His right eye socket was starting to swell up and there were scratch marks on his back, they were probably thumb-nail size.”

She described how he rolled over and groaned in pain while they waited for paramedics.

It is alleged Matthew Osborn, 22, of Valiant Road, Martlesham Heath, Darren Gorham, 22, of Marigold Avenue, Ipswich and Lewis Dowe, 22, of Ramsey Close, Ipswich, set upon Mr Rumsey at the request of his ex-girlfriend - Kristin Burns, 20, of Sinclair Drive, Ipswich. All three deny wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The case continues.