A man was left with serious head and facial injuries after an assault in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack on the 25-year-old victim, which happened at some time between midnight and 5am by Henwood Industrial Estate, Ashford.

The man had been out in town to celebrate New Year’s Eve and was walking in the footpath leading from Mace Lane to the estate when he was assaulted by two men.

One of his attackers was white, stocky, chubby-faced, about 5ft 8ins tall and in his late teens. He clean shaven and was wearing a black or navy woolly hat and dark clothing.

The other was also white, stocky and in his late teens.

Officers want to speak to two witnesses who may be able to help their investigation.

The first is a man the victim is believed to have spoken to at the Swan pub in Tufton Street earlier in the night. He is white, in his mid-twenties, clean-shaven, and has short, dark, well-groomed hair. He has a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm in thick black font reading 'ADAM’.

The police also want to speak to a man who the victim befriended outside Liquid nightclub in East Hill, as it is believed he knows the offenders. He is white, in his late teens, 5ft 8ins tall and has dark hair.

Potential witnesses and those who may have information which will help the inquiry can call the police on 01622 690690 quoting crime number FY/33/11. Alternatively they can call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.