A man is "lucky to be alive" after suffering "frankly obscene" injuries during an attack which happened while he walked to work on Easter Sunday.
The victim, who has not been named, is in hospital in a serious condition after he was ambushed in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on April 4 at around 7.30am.
Detectives investigating the attack have now released a photo showing the man's dreadful injuries as part of an appeal to discover what happened and who is responsible.
The defenceless victim can be seen sitting in the back of an ambulance with blood all over his face, which is visibly cut and swollen following the attack.
The man was rushed to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.
Lancashire Police say they are currently carrying out enquiries to try to identify the offenders.
Det Sgt Diane Higham said: “This was a horrific assault which has left a man in a very serious condition in hospital.
“The level of violence used is frankly obscene and the victim is lucky to be alive.
"We hope this image, which shows the severity of the injuries inflicted, will prompt members of the community to come forward.
“I would also appeal to anyone who may have information which could help us piece together what has happened and to help identify the offenders to contact us.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0290 of April 4, or contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
