A GANG of four "happy slappers" attacked a man in an underpass, leaving him with a broken hand and bruised ribs as they recorded the beating on a mobile phone.

The man was walking through the underpass that runs between Abbey Way and Lily's Walk, High Wycombe, between 9.30pm and 10pm on Friday, January 27, when he was kicked in the back.

He then fell to the floor and was punched and kicked by two Asian men, while two black men one of whom filmed the attack on his mobile phone stood by and watched.

PC Russ Hawkins said police are now appealing for witnesses to this violent crime.

He said: "This was a totally unprovoked assault which has left the man with some serious injuries and possibly broken ribs.

"Unfortunately, the man didn't see his attackers clearly as he was on the floor, but during his ordeal he did notice a woman walk past the underpass towards the hospital. This woman may have witnessed the attack, and so I am keen to hear from her, as she may be able to tell me something that will assist in this investigation."

The woman is white and was wearing a dark coat and black heeled shoes.

The thugs are said to have all been smartly dressed, wearing black shoes and dark trousers.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around the time of the attack, or who recognises the descriptions of the attackers, is urged to contact PC Hawkins at High Wycombe police station on 0845 8 505 505, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111