Police are appealing for witnesses to a vicious attack on a 74-year-old man in Deal.

The pensioner was attacked as he left a fish and chip shop in Park Street on Friday between 3pm and 4pm.

As he approached the junction of Victoria Road and South Street someone came up behind him, punched him in the face and kicked him in the ribs as he fell to the ground.

The elderly man managed to make his way home and was treated for a broken nose and cuts to his hand but did not go to hospital.

He was unable to describe the offender.

Police spokeswoman Rosy Alexander said: “The assault took place on a busy road and it is believed there were plenty of people who would have seen it happen.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact South Kent Police on 01303 289180 or the Crimestoppers Hotline on 0800 555111.