Appeal after assault in Deal

Kent Police is appealing for witnesses to a serious, unprovoked assault in Deal.

A 25-year-old man was walking with his girlfriend near the bridge along Mill Road in Deal at 9.25 pm on Tuesday 7 May when they were approached by three young men.

The men started punching the victim and one started to strangle him. He was then thrown to the ground and stamped on, kicked and punched.

Three other men then joined in the assault. The suspects had been part of a larger group of around 15 youths.

The victim was taken to the QEQM hospital with numerous injuries including a broken nose, cuts and bruises.

Police have spoken to several witnesses and are following a number of leads but would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened or has information about who was responsible for the assault.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Emma Banks said: "This was a vicious, unprovoked assault on a man who was walking with his girlfriend.

"We need the public to help us identify the people responsible for this violent assault and I would urge anyone with information to contact us so we can bring them to justice.

"We would particularly like to hear from other people in the group of youths who had nothing to do with the assault, so they can be eliminated from our enquiries."

If you have information please contact Kent Police on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/13060/13.

Alternatively, if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.