THREE Town fans were kicked and beaten in a brutal attack by soccer hooligans.

Gareth Morris, Paul Matthewman and Ian Clough were ambushed by a gang of about 10 yobs after Town's victory over Port Vale at Burslem on Saturday.

Now Staffordshire Police are hunting the gang and have appealed for witnesses.

Paul and Ian, both of Rochdale, escaped serious injury but 24-year-old Gareth, of Taylor Hill, suffered cuts to his head and bruises.

All were targeted because they were wearing replica Town shirts.

They were stunned by the violence of the attack, which came as they made their way back to a car five minutes away from the Port Vale ground.

Mr Morris, who works for a mental health charity, said: "The attack was totally unprovoked. We were strolling back to the car when a gang suddenly attacked us from behind.

"We were kicked to the floor and repeatedly kicked about the head and body. There was nothing we could do.

"There had been no problems at the game, other than the normal banter between fans, and it was so unexpected. It was very frightening but the gang ran off as others approached."