Former Gillingham captain Kyle Dempsey has been the victim of an “unprovoked attack” in his home town, his current club have said.

Dempsey left the Gills for Bolton Wanderers in January after making 61 league appearances for the club. He and his father were reportedly attacked when enjoying an evening out in the town of Maryport, Cumbria.

Bolton had played Dempsey’s former club Carlisle on the Saturday and Dempsey, 26, played in the match. Later that day he required medical treatment following an attack.

His club released a statement, saying: “Bolton Wanderers Football Club is aware of an incident which took place at the weekend.

“Kyle Dempsey and his father were enjoying an evening out with their family in their home town of Maryport following Saturday’s pre-season friendly against his former club Carlisle United.

”During the course of the evening, they were both subjected to an unprovoked assault which left them requiring medical treatment.

“The Dempsey family will receive the full support of Chairman Sharon Brittan, manager Ian Evatt and the Club while the incident is being investigated by Cumbria Police.

“No further comment will be made at this time.”