A 49-YEAR-OLD Kent man is seriously ill in a London hospital following an apparently motiveless street attack (Karina Hodder writes).

The victim was assaulted in George Street in Ramsgate by three youths and a girl. He was left with serious head injuries. His condition is described as serious but stable.

A police spokesman said: “This was a callous attack which may have left the victim with permanent injuries.”

The attack happened at about 11.45pm on Friday. The youths involved are believed to have been together in Ramsgate town centre from about 9.30pm that night.

They followed the victim, who lives in Ramsgate, from Queen Street into George Street and then attacked him. The suspects were all white and thought to be aged between 16 and 20.

One of them had dark hair and wore a dark and light coloured hooded jacket, a white baseball cap, light coloured trousers and trainers. Another wore a burgundy jacket, dark trousers and white trainers and a third wore a white jacket, light coloured trousers, dark shoes and a white baseball cap.

The girl had her hair pulled back in a bun and wore glasses, a dark three-quarter-length coat and trousers.

Anyone who knows the identity of the attackers or has any other information relevant to the enquiry is urged to contact Det Sgt Tony Pledger, of Thanet CID, on (01843) 222 192 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.