A COMMUNITY has rallied around a pensioner who was beaten and “left for dead” after a “motiveless attack” in the early hours.

Victim Leslie Gunfield, 82, was found by a friend shortly after 7am on Sunday with serious facial injuries.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard that Mr Gunfield’s injuries were considered to be life-threatening.

Mr Gunfield regularly helped out at Shore Taxis, based in The Parade, Walton.

The firm said it would hold a raffle to raise money for him following the attack.

Owner Michelle Rann said: “It’s a terrible thing that’s happened. When something like this happens, everybody in Walton pulls together."

Read the full story in the Clacton and Frinton Gazette, out now.