A Vancouver man has been hospitalized after being smashed in the head with a block of concrete and pepper-sprayed in a community garden, according to police.

The 51-year-old man lives next to the community garden at Guelph Park, near East 6th Avenue at Prince Edward Street. Police say he was viciously attacked after he saw what he believed to be two men doing drugs there at around noon and asked them to leave.

The suspects reportedly fled on bikes, leaving the man bleeding on the sidewalk.

"His name's Dan. He's a great guy, very helpful. I see no reason why anyone would wanna hurt him," said Benjamin Thomas, the victim's roommate. "He's lost a lot of blood. He's taken a few staples to the head but he's going to be okay."

While the level of violence is rare, people living near Guelph Park say drug users are a growing problem in the neighbourhood.

"There's been some drug use and people hiding the needles under foliage and planter pots," said area resident Nadine Griggs. "I'm afraid to stick my hands in the dirt."

Neighbours are calling on Vancouver police to step up patrols in the area in light of the violent incident.

No suspects have been arrested. Police announced a news conference at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to provide more details on the grisly attack.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Penny Daflos