A man was brutally beaten and robbed of his winnings after leaving a bookies shop in Bradford.

Stanley Knight, 55, was yesterday undergoing surgery in hospital for serious facial injuries following the vicious attack.

Police last night released photos of Mr Knight’s injuries in a bid to help catch the attacker.

The pictures were released with Mr Knight’s permission.

Mr Knight, of Fagley, Bradford, had enjoyed a winning bet in the Ladbrokes’ bookmakers in Otley Road, and had left the shop when he was attacked from behind.

His attacker punched him, knocking him to the floor, and, while he was helpless, the suspect rifled his pockets, stealing his wallet and money and his mobile phone before fleeing on foot.

The attack happened at about 6.45pm on Tuesday, in Moorside Road, Eccleshill, close to the Industrial Museum.

Mr Knight had walked from Otley Road to Moorside Road shortly before the attack, and police believe he could have been followed from the premises.

Detective Inspector John Priestley, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “As can be seen from the injuries, this was a vicious attack.

“Although it was dark at the time, we believe there were other people about in the Moorside Road area who may have witnessed this incident or may have seen the victim in the area of Ladbrokes Bookmak-ers.

“We are currently exploring the possibility that the attacker may have seen the victim either in the bookmakers or leaving the premises. We would like anybody with any information at all regarding this incident to contact the police on 0845 6060606.”