POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked by a gang of thugs in Newbury town centre.

The victim was walking along Bartholomew Street with a friend between 6.30-7pm on Sunday when three men started following them and then the 27-year-old was hit on the back on the head.

While continuing to follow the pair the thugs were seen making a phone call to someone saying “get the boys over” and a few minutes later another attacker cycled up to the victim and began punching him until he fell to the ground. He was then kicked several times and left with bruises all over his body.

The first attacker was wearing a grey hooded top and dark blue jeans. The other two are white and in their early 20s, and the second is around 5ft 9ins with short black hair, an olive-skinned complexion and an athletic build.

The third man is around 5ft 8ins with brown hair, “goofy” teeth, a slim build and was wearing a black quilted coat similar to a Barbour jacket.

Witnesses should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.