A man was taken to hospital after he was knocked to the ground and beaten by a thug armed with a piece of wood.

The victim, a man in his 40s, was attacked in Northdown Road, Margate, near the junction with Cliftonville Avenue.

He was approached by the suspect - who was holding a piece of wood and accompanied by two men - and knocked to the ground and beaten.

The victim suffered injuries to his head and body which required hospital treatment during the incident shortly before 6pm on New Year's Eve.

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the assault.

A spokesperson for the force said: "It is believed that the victim spoke to the suspect beforehand in a nearby kebab shop, and anyone who witnessed the interaction is also asked to come forward."

Witnesses should contact police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/617/22, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on its website.