A man was seriously ill in hospital today after he was beaten in a gang attack on a Telford street in the early hours of this morning.

The injured 29-year-old was discovered in Urban Gardens, Wellington, between 3.30am and 4am.

Detectives launched a huge police probe and sealed off the area after the man was taken to hospital by ambulance.

His car, which was close to the scene of the attack, was taken from the street by police for forensic investigations.

A team of officers was scouring the scene today for clues. CCTV footage was also being studied by detectives.

It is understood the man was attacked by three men near his home. The gang fled before police arrived.

Residents said they heard car windows being smashed before seeing three people, all dressed in black, running away.

It is believed the man was sitting in his car smoking when the gang jumped him. His car windows were smashed and it is believed he was pulled through the shattered windows before being beaten.

His condition was described as “poorly” this afternoon.

A team of up to 10 detectives and officers based at Telford’s Malinsgate police station were working on the investigation today, but detectives from across the West Mercia force area could be drafted in to help.

Police said it was currently being treated as a “serious assault”.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said: “This incident occurred some time between 3.30am and 4am and, as a result of the assault, a 29-year-old man has been taken to hospital suffering from multiple, significant injuries.”

No arrests have yet been made, but police urged residents who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact police.

Mr Ammonds said: “We have a strong visible presence in the area today to reassure residents. We are also carrying out door-to-door inquiries and looking at CCTV.

“The location is under guard to protect any forensic evidence.”

Suzie Fothergill, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman, said an ambulance crew was called just before 3.50am.

Anyone with information is urged to call Telford police on 0300 333 3000.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman