POLICE are hunting members of a racist gang who shouted abuse at an Indian man before beating him unconscious.

The 39-year-old man was taking his old English sheepdog for a walk in Davenport Avenue, Gillingham, at around midnight last Friday when he was set on by a gang of thugs who kicked and punched him, leaving him with a broken cheek bone, cuts and bruises. They also kicked the dog.

The victim was taken to Gillingham's Medway Maritime Hospital and then transferred to a specialist unit in East Grinstead where he will need an operation on his face.

His 32-year-old wife, who is English, said: "My husband is such a quiet gentle person. No-one can understand how anyone could possibly hurt him."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack on the father of three. Det Con Charlotte Warren said: "This was a very nasty assault and we understand that there were a number of people in the area at the time."

The first man involved in described as about 30, large build with a shaven head wearing shorts and a Ben Sherman checked shirt.

The second was a similar age, wearing dark clothing. Anyone with information should ring police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.