A man needed stitches after he was slashed across the face in a vicious attack that left him with the some of the "worst facial injuries" police have ever seen.

The 19-year-old victim was smoking outside in Cliff Terrace, Margate when he was approached by a woman asking for a cigarette.

Shortly afterwards, he was slashed across the face with a blade, leaving him with a three inch gash.

The attack happened at 3.40am on Saturday, January 17, but details have only just been released as police launch an appeal for witnesses.

Detective Constable Richard Cordery said: "This was a brutal assault that appears to have been unprovoked and resulted in some of the worst facial injuries that I have seen.

"I would ask that anyone in the area or with any knowledge of the assault comes forward as a matter of urgency.

"In particular I am keen to trace the woman who approached the victim shortly before the assault."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting crime reference number ZY/001562/15.

Stories you might have missed

Primary school head's drink-driving arrest

Boy gets kidney failure after taking Nurofen

Kent's unnamed dead

Try to have a ball at work