A 39-year-old man walking home alone after buying a kebab was set upon by a group of thugs and sufferred serious facial injuries.

It is thought that around nine boys, aged between 16 and 18, were involved in the early morning incident in Britton Street, Gillingham.

Police say the group blocked the man's path and then attacked him. After the assault a woman came to the man's aid. She helped him to his feet and walked him home.

The man suffered bruising to his eyes and grazing to his body. A family member took him to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital where it was felt he might have suffered a fractured cheekbone and damage to an eye socket.

The incident occurred between 1am and 1.30am on Saturday, August 4.

Police are asking for anyone who may have information to contact detectives at Medway police station on 01634 792529 quoting reference DZ/016048/07. Alternatively contact Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.