A MOB of around 30 youths left a 31-year-old bus passenger unconscious and facing major surgery after breaking his cheekbone in an attack labelled as "appalling and disgraceful" by community leaders.

A MOB of around 30 youths left a 31-year-old bus passenger unconscious and facing major surgery after breaking his cheekbone in an attack labelled as "appalling and disgraceful" by community leaders.

The gang verbally abused the innocent victim before at least two kicked and punched him as the coach he was travelling on pulled into Haverhill Bus Station following a journey from Cambridge.

The man was left unconscious, and needs major surgery after suffering a fractured cheekbone in the attack.

"This sounds as if it is another manifestation of mob culture running wild, and it needs to be sat upon as soon as possible," said Jeremy Farthing, who represents Haverhill on St Edmundsbury Borough Council.

"My own reaction is that this is disgraceful. I do not know if there is any way we can find the people responsible, but they should be apprehended and punished to the full extent of the law.

"Incidents like this are quite appalling, but are also rare in Haverhill, which has one of the lowest crime rates in Suffolk."

Detectives are now hunting for the gang responsible. A spokesman for Suffolk police said: "This was a particularly nasty and unprovoked attack on an innocent person.

"The victim was left extremely shaken, and will require major surgery in hospital as a result.

"We would like to remind the public that incidents of this nature are particularly rare. We are keen to trace the offenders involved and deal with then accordingly.

"We would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us."

Police are also hunting for an attacker who punched and kicked a motorist in Bury St Edmunds. The 18-year-old victim was driving on the town's Station Hill at around 2am on Friday when a man walked across the road and kicked his car.

When the teenager pulled over in a car park behind Club Brazilia, the same attacker opened the door and started punching and kicking the driver. A second man then pulled him away.

The man is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall and of stocky build. He had a bald head and was in his mid-20s, and wore a white t-shirt.

Anyone who recognises the description, or witnessed the attack, is asked to call Pc Paul Cappleman, of Bury Police, on 01284 774100.

And anyone with information about the attack at Haverhill Bus Station, in Brook Service Road and which happened at 9.25pm on May 21, should contact Dc Brent Bottomley on 01284 774100, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.