Police have launched an appeal after a man was attacked from behind and viciously assaulted by a gang of four.

The 21-year-old victim was set upon in Westgate-on-Sea, near the junction with Ethelbert Square.

He was knocked to the floor from behind, and when he turned around, was repeatedly kicked and punched in the ribs and stomach.

One of the attackers then punched him in the face several times, leaving him with minor injuries.

A green car, possibly a Vauxhall Astra, pulled up next to the men who then fled the scene via Ethelbert Square. The car then drove off.

The attack at 9.30pm on Monday, April 20, but details have only just been released by police.

"We'd very much like to speak to anyone who has any information about this nasty assault..." - PC Jon Buckingham

The offenders are all described as white men aged in their 20s.

One of them was wearing a red hooded jumper with the hood tied around his face while another was wearing a dark-coloured t-shirt, light-coloured tracksuit bottoms and a yellow and green baseball cap.

The other two men are both described as wearing dark-coloured clothing and one of them had a moustache.

Officers investigating the assault are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the incident or the offenders.

They also want to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim in the moments before he was attacked or know the identity of the driver in the green car.

PC Jon Buckingham said: "Despite the victim not knowing his attackers, we are treating this as an isolated incident and we'd very much like to speak to anyone who has any information about this nasty assault."

Witnesses are asked to contact PC Buckingham on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/11909/15.