A pensioner has been left seriously hurt after a savage beating in his Margate home.

The 76-year-old suffered multiple fractures and needed 40 stitches in his face after an attack described by police as "sustained".

He is in a serious, but stable condition in King's College Hospital, in London, after the assault on Saturday afternoon or evening.

Detectives are now waiting to speak to the victim and are working to establish a possible motive.

He was discovered by a neighbour in the Rutland Avenue block of flats at 8.50pm after he was heard shouting for help.

An urgent appeal has now been made for information to help officers track down those who carried out the assault.

"This was clearly a sustained attack that has left an elderly man with extensive injuries..." - DCI Emma Banks

DCI Emma Banks, from Kent Police, said: "This was clearly a sustained attack that has left an elderly man with extensive injuries.

"We would appeal to anyone with information – perhaps someone has overheard people talking about an assault or has someone returned home with blood-stained clothing?

"In particular, we would like to speak to anyone who may have been visiting Rutland House on Saturday and may have seen people entering or leaving the flats between 3.30pm and 8.50pm."

Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to phone Kent Police on 01227 868278 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.