A gang of thugs has been on a violent rampage in Canterbury, attacking a coach driver, two French students, two teenagers and a pizza delivery man on a scooter.

It happened over a two-hour period in the Sturry Road area on Sunday during which the five shirtless yobs also stole two mountain bikes.

Police are now appealing for information about the offenders who are aged in their 20s and were just wearing shorts and trainers.

The first incident happened at 5.30pm when a coach driver and two students reported being assaulted in the coach park in Kingsmead Road.

A hour later, a teenage boy was approached by a group of men in Sturry Road close to the Stour Retail Park and forced to hand over his bicycle, worth £250. The bike was later recovered.

At 7.23pm, a second teenage boy on a bike was stopped in the same area by what are believed to be the same a gang.

He was assaulted by the men who demanded he hand over his white and black Carrera Valour mountain bike worth £300.

An appeal to find the bike was later posted on Facebook by a family friend.

Lee Skingle wrote: “Not only did the attack leave him bruised and shaken, but he lives in Hersden and his bike was his only way of getting to and from work.”

A few minutes after the incident, a pizza delivery driver riding a moped along Sturry Road close to the park and ride was hit on the helmet by one of the same group of men.

Police Sgt Lee Thompson said: "We are linking these offences and are keen to hear from anyone in the Sturry Road and Kingsmead Road areas on Sunday evening who may have witnessed any of the incidents.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the descriptions of the offenders can call police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference ZY/15069/16.