A middle-aged man was beaten with a baseball bat in an unprovoked and vicious assault in the street.

Detectives are seeking a motive for the apparently premeditated attack on the 48-year-old victim, who has been unable to shed any light on the incident.

He had just left a house in Skipton Road, Keighley, where he had been visiting a family friend, when he was pounced on by three men armed with a baseball bat, and assaulted.

The gang also attacked his car, a black Peugeot 607, before fleeing in a black saloon car.

The victim was taken to Airedale General Hospital for treatment to superficial facial injuries and two broken fingers.

Detective Inspector John Priestley, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said the assault was unprovoked and no motive had yet been uncovered.

He said: “This was a nasty and brazen attack, carried out in broad daylight, and it is fortunate the victim did not suffer more serious injuries as a result.”

Det Insp Priestley said that, although the attackers had not necessarily been lying in wait, they had weapons in the vehicle and there was some premeditation.

He said: “We know there was a fair amount of traffic in the area at the time and several drivers will have seen what happened.”

The suspects are described as Asian men, aged 30 to 35, of average height and medium build. One was taller than the others, and another had short black hair.

The incident happened at about 2pm on Tuesday, December 1 but police did not reveal any information until yesterday.

Witnesses should contact Detective Constable Debbie Gargon, on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: steve.wright@telegraphandargus.co.uk