THIS is the face of a young man – set upon, he claims – while trying to stop his friend from being beaten up by a gang of youths in Hereford.

Marshall Farmer was allegedly punched, kicked and stamped on by a group of up to six youngsters.

His nose was broken and he suffered a number of other significant facial and head injuries.

The 21-yearold had earlier been in the city centre but went to meet friends in Whitecross near the footpath known locally as the Ashpath.

When he arrived, he said another group was present and was intimidating his friends.

“I went up to them to tell them to stop and one of them punched me to the floor,” explained Marshall, from Whitecross.

“I got up and they kept knocking me down. They then started stamping on and kicking my head.

I was completely defenceless.”

It also looks like he will lose two of his teeth and he has suffered blurred vision and hearing problems in the wake of the attack on Sunday, August 7.

“I am on strong painkillers, so a lot of the swelling has gone down, but I was in a lot of pain and had headaches and couldn’t open my eyes for the first couple of days,” he added.

“I had a bit of trouble eating– my face looked like a tomato.

“I still have a bit of pain and cannot lift much, I even struggled to lift a four pint carton of milk.

“I also had a big lump on my left e a r , which has initially c a u s e d h e a r i n g problems but is OK now.”

Even though his physical injuries have improved, Marshall said he still feels anxious about going out at night.

“I feel a bit wary about going out now,” he said.

“I am also currently out of a job, but can’t really go to an interview looking like this.

“And I love to Rollerblade, but can’t do that at the moment in case I fall over and injure my head.”

• Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Any witnesses to the assault are asked to call PC Cathryn Davies on 0300 333 3000.