DETECTIVES are hunting two men who viciously attacked a 24-year-old postman.

The incident occurred in an alleyway at the back of the post office in Ashford at about 9.30am on Wednesday. The attackers attempted to push the postman into the back of a van.

Police say the victim, from Willesbrough, near Ashford, was deeply shocked by the incident. It is thought the attackers fled empty-handed.

The two entrances to the alley - in Bank Street and Tufton Street - were sealed off for several hours while police investigated.

Jason Wratten, a colleague of the victim who works at Ashford sorting office, said: "We heard that two men attacked him - one black and one white - and that he was punched in the stomach and that they tried to shove him into the back of the van."

Anyone with information can contact the Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.