A 43-year-old man was kicked, punched and knocked unconscious to the ground while walking to the home of a friend.

Police say that moments earlier the victim, who suffers from epilepsy, had been approached by a group of young men who started taunting him and being abusive. They were accompanied by a young woman.

The incident occurred near Motor Direct in Cheriton Road, Cheriton, near Folkestone. The man was taken taken to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital where he stayed overnight.

Police investigating the brutal assualt, at about 11.30pm on Friday, August 11, are appealing for the public’s help to trace the offenders.

They are described as white and aged in their late teens and were drinking from cans of beer. One of them was about 5ft 6in tall, of very slim build with shoulder length black hair.

Police media officer Jon Green said: "The young woman shouted at the men to stop, and police would like to trace her as a witness."

PC Andy Lewis said: “This was an unprovoked assault on a man who was minding his own business, and we need to find those responsible. The man suffers from epilepsy and this could have triggered a seizure."

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Lewis on 01303 850055, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.