A YOUNG soldier was rescued by a Bradford Council gritting team after he was robbed and beaten.

They discovered the 20-year-old (pictured) prone on the ground near to the National Media Museum in Bradford early on Saturday.

They alerted emergency services and took him into the gritting wagon until police and paramedics arrived to take him to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The man suffered a number of fractures and severe cuts to his face. He had items stolen before being left on the ground.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The victim had been in bars in Sackville Street in the early hours of Saturday morning and then left alone to get a taxi home from the Interchange.

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"He appears to have been attacked while walking along Prince's Way towards the Interchange and has also lost property in this incident, which is being investigated as a robbery.

"Our inquiries are continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Nicki Whitley, at Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13160021777, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that Bradford Council workers helped an injured man who was found in the city centre early on Saturday morning by making sure he received the hospital treatment he needed."