THE ROTTEN APPLE- Disturbing Video Shows A Mob Of People Brutally Beating A Tourist Who Tried To Break Up A Fight In Time Square, Victim's Face Shattered, Ribs Broken

NEW YORK — A brave tourist who stepped in to stop a savage assault in the heart of Times Square ended up in the hospital with a shattered face and broken ribs, police sources said.

Dramatic video obtained by Viral News NYC captures the ugly aftermath of the Friday night melee in one of the city's busiest crosswalks. A group of attackers swarmed a victim on the ground before turning their fury on the out-of-towner who tried to intervene, kicking and punching him mercilessly as horrified bystanders looked on and cars rolled past the bloody scene.

The tourist was left with multiple broken eye sockets and ribs, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Sources said the group has been linked to a string of violent assaults in the Times Square area over the past several years. Many of those involved are juveniles with prior arrests who are quickly back on the streets, cops say.

The footage shows a wild scrum near street signs and newsstands, with people scattering, some trying to help, and others appearing to join the fray. Security personnel in reflective vests are visible but the situation spirals out of control in the middle of the tourist hotspot.

It's the latest nightmare for visitors to Midtown, where seasonal spikes in chaos from juvenile crews have become all too predictable as the weather warms.

"These gangs target tourists knowing many won't stick around to press charges," one law enforcement source said.

The NYPD and Manhattan DA's office are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Times Square, once a symbol of New York glamour, continues to struggle with street crime that has victims questioning if the Big Apple is safe for anyone anymore.