THIS is the shocking moment binmen were attacked by axe-wielding thugs in two separate roadside brawls.

Footage shows a driver leap from his Vauxhall Corsa as he squares up to the workers in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

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Footage shows hatchet-wielding thugs attacking a bin lorryCredit: BPM

After punching the men, he then pulls a school crossing sign from his boot and begins swinging it at the lorry as it manages to drive off.

The video then shows the same driver with three other men attacking a different bin lorry as it completes its round.

Armed with a hatchet, axe, sledgehammer and baton, the thugs run towards the wagon and a violent brawl erupts.

One worker is smacked across the body with a baton, while one of the yobs smashes the windows of the lorry.

Another crew member is then attacked before he falls over a wheelie bin, StokeonTrentLive reports.

Police confirmed the first bin worker was punched three times and was taken to hospital with head, face and foot injuries.

Three binmen in the second attack were also injured, with one also requiring hospital treatment.

Police located the Vauxhall Corsa and discovered a sledgehammer inside.

It is not clear why the two fights in March erupted or why the binmen were targeted.

Four men have since pleaded guilty to a string of offences, including wounding with intent, assault and criminal damage.

Joe Cordon, 27, Kyle Hilditch, 18, Kyle Worthington, 19, and Jack Spackman, 24, are due to be sentenced on September 13.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council previously said: "It is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"Our thoughts are with those who were injured and their loved ones, and we would like to praise and thank our crews for doing their jobs and supporting our city.

"We are supporting the ongoing police investigation. Our teams work tirelessly to provide a public service and should not have their safety put at risk."

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One of the thugs batters the lorry with a lollypop man signCredit: BPM

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Four bin men were injured in the attackCredit: BPM

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The thugs were armed with various weaponsCredit: BPM

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They are awaiting sentencing for the attackCredit: BPM