A 61-year-old was undergoing surgery last night after being kicked, punched and head-butted by two thugs who mugged him for just £5.

David Wells was attacked in the street AFTER he had handed money over to the two men.

Now sickened police officers are calling for witnesses to the “vicious” and sustained” attack to come forward.

It left Mr Wells with deep cuts to his forehead and lip, a swollen black eye and swelling to his hand.

He was approached by two men in Trinity Road near the city centre on Tuesday at 11.30pm when he was walking home from town.

They demanded money and when he was only able to give them just £5 they assaulted him.

Mr Wells was left lying in the road and a passer-by called an ambulance for him.

He was treated for his injuries yesterday at Bradford Royal Infirmary, where he was said to be recovering from his ordeal after undergoing surgery last night.

Two men, aged 21 and 23, who were arrested shortly after the assault, were last night in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Hopwood said: “This was a particularly vicious attack which has left the victim with a number of injuries.

“The suspects stole just £5.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault to contact us so we can establish exactly what happened.”

Detective Chief Inspector Hopwood described the man’s injuries as “horrific” and said that attacks like this would not be tolerated by the police.

He said: “We are treating this incident very seriously.

“The more people with evidence we can speak to the better.

“We need the assistance of the public to bring these people to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Sean Duggan at Bradford South CID on 0845 6060606, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.