A man in his sixties needed surgery after being smashed on the head in a vicious street attack.

The victim still managed to drive to the safety of his home.

He was attacked in Coronation Square, Lydd, at 4pm yesterday as he was returning to his car from a shop.

Det Sgt Ian Cutter said: "We would appeal to anyone who saw this vicious assault to contact police urgently.

"For apparently no reason he appears to have been set upon and left with a nasty would to his head."

The victim was leaving a shop after buying a bottle of wine when he was approached from behind by a group of people. It is not known what he was hit with.

He drove to his Lydd home and the emergency services were called.

He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford with a head injury.

Surgeons worked on him and he is now in a stable condition.

Officers are now trying establish the motive for the assault.

DS Cutter said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have been in area just as it was about to get dark."

Witnesses should contact Det Con Darren Manktelow 01303 289434.

• Three boys were arrested in connection with the incident. Two are 17 and one is 13 and they have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.