Thousands of Facebook friends support British man with Down syndrome who was beaten by bullies

From the Essex Echo in the UK:

More than 19,000 people have joined an Internet group in support of a man with Down’s syndrome who was attacked by yobs.

Martin Mann, 27, (pictured) suffered a fractured cheekbone and black eye during the motiveless and horrific attack.

Outraged Nadine Gazzard, a friend of Martin’s dad Paul, set up a Facebook page for people to pledge their support.

Since the page was started last month, 19,433 have signed up to the online discussion group on the social networking site to express their anger.

The page also encourages anyone who knows the attackers to come forward, and some members have started donating cash to pay for a holiday for Martin.

Carlton Leach, a reformed villain and convicted football hooligan who now lives in Southend, is among Martin’s many online supporters.

In a post on the web page, Nadine said: “This was a disgusting, unprovoked and frankly sick act of random violence.

“What is the world coming to when men think it’s funny to attack a severely disabled man?”

Martin’s mum, Janet, 63, who lives with him in Great Spenders, Basildon, said she and her son were delighted at the messages of support.

She said: “It is absolutely fantastic.

“A lot of people on the website know Martin and they were shocked to hear about it.

“Some of the comments on the website have been really wonderful. Martin has also had a look at it.”

Martin, who was presented with a scouting award by the Queen in 2007, was out walking his dog Beck in Holy Cross Park in Church Road, Basildon, when he was approached by four thugs.

One of them punched him in the left eye causing the horrific injuries.