A man suffered a broken back when he was attacked with a baseball bat in Margate.

His friend was also injured when they were assaulted by a gang, sustaining fractured wrists after being pushed off the sea wall.

The attack happened on the lower promenade at the back of the Cliftonville Lido, below Ethelbert Terrace.

The victims - who are both 26 - had been celebrating one of their birthdays at the pool.

A police spokesman said on Friday afternoon: "The pair believe a group of men mistook them for people they had had a disagreement with."

Both men were taken to the town's QEQM Hospital. The spokesman added: "The man with the fractured spine is still there. His friend has now been released."

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information about the attack - which happened between 7.50pm and 8.30pm on Friday, August 7 - is urged to contact police on 01843 231055 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.