A 57-year-old man was beaten up and had a gold necklace stolen when he was attacked by a group of four people while walking home after a night out.

The victim was returning home via an alleyway that runs alongside the Richard Cobden pub, joining Luton Road with Reform Road in Luton, Chatham.

At the top end of the alley were the four people, three men and a young woman.

One of the men approached and asked the man for a cigarette. Before he could reply, this man punched the victim several times in the face and, once he was on the ground, continued to attack him with kicks and punches.

The attacker then stole a gold curb chain necklace and tried, but failed, to get the man’s watch.

After his attackers ran off, the injured man went home but, because he had lost his glasses in the attack, he later went back to the scene only to be assaulted again by the same group before they ran off.

Once the injured man returned home an ambulance was called and he was taken for treatment at the Medway Maritime Hospital. He had serious head and face injuries.

Investigating officer DC Nick Baxter said: "This was a particularly vicious attack and I would urge anyone who saw what happened or the group hanging about to contact me immediately on 01634 884014 or call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The attack took place on Sunday night at around midnight.