DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a 41-year-old man was attacked on the dance floor of a nightclub as he celebrated the birth of his new baby.

The victim was assaulted from behind on the dance floor of the Liquid Lounge in Bank Street, Maidstone. He was found unconscious by friends he had gone to the club with to whet the baby's head.

The man, who lives in Maidstone, was taken to hospital where he needed surgery to repair a broken ankle. Maidstone & Malling Police are appealing for information about the incident that took place on Friday, March 28.

Officers believe there had been some sort of minor disagreement between the victim and a group of men in the club earlier in the evening. One of the suspects police would like to talk to is described as white, around 6ft tall, stockily built, with short dark hair. He was wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt.

Detectives would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack and to anyone with relevant information.

Witnesses are urged to contact DC Steve Longfield on 01622 608182, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, calls to which are free and confidential.