POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a street attack on a 41-year-old man outside Dane Park in Margate.

The victim was beaten to the ground by a gang of youths. He was then punched and kicked in the head and body. The beating only stopped when the thugs were shouted at by concerned passers-by.

The victim was treated at Margate's Queen Mother hospital for his injuries, including a swollen eye and grazed ear and knuckles.

Witnesses say that the gang were teenage boys. One wore a light coloured jacket, and another wore a red hat with a white pattern on the back.

The assault happened on Boxing Day at around 4.45pm near the intersection of Dane Road and Approach Roads.

Anyone who saw the incident is asked to contact Det Con Sara Jackson at Thanet police headquarters, Margate, telephone 01843 222053.