POLICE have launched a hunt for thugs who carried out a vicious assault on three fishermen beside a river.

The anglers were asleep in their tents at Rope Walk at Sandwich when they were awoken by punches and kicks.

Two of the victims got out of their tents and were set upon by a group of youths, who left one of the men with a fractured cheek bone and serious cuts to the head. The third fisherman was still in his tent when it was pushed into the river but he escaped unhurt.

DC James Ross, of Kent Police, said: "This was a nasty, cowardly incident that could have had tragic consequences. It appears to have been a motiveless attack and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward."

Incident happened at around 3am on Sunday. A 20-year-old Sandwich man was arrested at the scene and has been bailed to return to Dover Police Station at a later date. Anyone who can help police is asked to telephone DC Ross on 01304 218124.