AN 18-year-old man was the victim of a serious sexual assault when he was attacked in an alleyway in a Kent town.

Police have taped off the scene of the attack in the alleyway alongside the railway line between Rosemary Avenue and Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs, and forensic teams are combing the site.

The attack happened at about 4.30pm on Thursday when the 18-year-old victim was surrounded by three men.

They sexually assaulted him before running off in the direction of Ramsgate Road.

Officers are appealing for witnesses who may have seen or heard the attack, or spotted three men, at this stage believed to have been white, fleeing the area.

Anyone who can help is asked to call DS Tristan Kluibenschadl on 01843 222195.