A 38-year-old man was beaten to the ground and kicked in the chest by two assailants in an apparent case of mistaken identity.

Kent Police say the attack happened in George V Avenue at Margate, when a black four wheel drive, possibly a BMW X5 or similar with tinted windows, pulled up just ahead of the victim who was on walking on the pavement.

Two men got out of the rear doors and, without warning, grabbed the pedestrian around the neck and dragged him to the ground while the other kicked him in the chest.

At this point the driver of the vehicle shouted out that it was the wrong man and the attackers jumped back into the vehicle and were driven off.

The victim suffered three broken ribs and bruising to his chest and left cheek in the attack. Both attackers are thought to be in their early 30s.

One is around 5ft 9in tall, stocky with dark brown hair, shoulder-length hair. He was wearing a black t-shirt with pale blue jeans.

The other thug is about 5ft 11in tall. He was wearing a dark blue tracksuit with white stripes down the sleeves and legs.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 26, between 7.55pm and 8.15pm. Anyone who knows the identity of the thugs or who saw the incident is asked to contact PC Andy Eley at Thanet police headquarters on Margate, 01843 222151.