A shopkeeper was left with a nasty head injury following an assault after he asked a group of disruptive men to leave his premises.

Police and paramedics were called to the Leysdown Mini-Mart in Leysdown Road last Friday evening.

A group of around 20 men entered the shop between 9.20pm and 9.30pm and starting causing damage to the produce.

When they were asked to leave, one of the men assaulted the shopkeeper.

He suffered a head injury after being hit by the buckle of a belt. Paramedics treated him at the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have been in the area at the time.

The suspect is white, of skinny build, about 17 years old, with short black hair and a small moustache. He was wearing a white T-shirt.

Island Neighbourhood Inspector David Applegate said: “This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was simply defending his livelihood.

“The actions of this group and the man who carried out the assault will not be tolerated, and we will take the strongest action possible against those that engage in such criminal behaviour.”

Anyone with information should contact Kent Police on 01795 419177 or Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.