A 48-year-old man was assaulted while reading a book in the seated pavilion area in a Kent seaside town.

The victim was approached by two girls on Marine Drive, Margate, and asked if he had any cigarettes.

The man obliged but was then asked by the girls if they could use his mobile phone to call their friends. He again obliged.

Moments later a man, who appeared to be with the girls, ran up to the man and shouted at him, accusing him of assaulting a relation. The man punched the victim in the face.

The victim was assisted by a member of the public who helped walk him home.

The attacker is white, thought to be aged between 18-20, 5ft 8in tall, with dark hair and wearing a white top, possibly a t-shirt.

The girls are both white and aged between 15 and 19. One had ginger hair and was thin, while the other had black bushy hair.

The assault happened at around 10.30pm on Friday. Anyone who waitnessed it or who knows the identities of the man or girls is asked to contact the police on (01843) 222 033. (ref 11731)