A MAN who was viciously attacked as he walked to meet his girlfriend said he has been 'constantly watching his back' since the incident.

Greg Galpin was passing the Co-op store in Dorchester Road, Taunton, at around 7pm on Friday (December 13) when he was 'tackled from behind and dragged to the floor' by two men.

The 21-year-old said he was punched and kicked repeatedly by the men who had given him 'funny looks' as he walked down the street.

He said: "I was tackled from behind and dragged to the floor and one of the men started to punch and kick me while I was on the floor.

"He then stopped and went towards the flats next to the Co-op where the other male had gone.

"While this was happening I then get the phone to call my girlfriend but as I was walking back up the road one of the men came running towards me.

"As I was on the corner of Rochester Road the man brought me down and started punching and kicking me. One of the men then ran over and started again.

"It was then that my girlfriend came down Rochester Road and screamed for them to get off.

"They soon ran off when she arrived and she had already phoned her mum to say what was happening.

"Her mum drove to the scene and got both of us in the car and took me to the Co-op on the corner and they kindly took me in the back where they gave me frozen peas for my badly damaged eye.

"At this point, my mum and two sisters arrived as my girlfriend had rung them and they were all upset and mortified.

"Police soon arrived and managed to get some questions in while I was being helped by the Co-op staff with my eye."

Greg said he was also a victim of a similar attack in the same place in September 2017 and he feels 'very lucky' to have survived this attack.

He said the incident has left him feeling 'low' and wary to go out and urged people to 'watch their back' when walking.

"My mum took me to A&E where they confirmed there were no fractures just a few cuts and a badly bruised eye," Greg said.

" I feel very lucky to come out of this horrific experience not far more hurt and couldn’t be more grateful for the support I have received.

"I have been feeling quite low within myself and am constantly watching my back but I’ve been out of the house a few times.

"I don't want this to happen to anyone else, it was horrible.

"Always watch your back, try and keep all your belongings secured, luckily I had done, and keep your phone on in all times in case of emergencies."

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of an assault outside a block of flats near to the Waggon and Horses in Priorswood on 13 December at about 7.25pm.

"A man aged 21 was assaulted by two teenagers. He required hospital treatment for facial injuries and bruising to his knee, elbow and shoulder.

"A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault. He has been released under investigation.

"Police enquiries into the incident are continuing - anyone with information is asked to contact us, quoting reference 5219287540."