Police have released CCTV images after a group of about eight people attacked a man in Hitchin town centre, kicking and punching him in the early hours.

The Comet: Police have released this CCTV image after an assault in Hitchin's Brand Street. Picture: Herts policePolice have released this CCTV image after an assault in Hitchin's Brand Street. Picture: Herts police (Image: Archant)

Officers said the attack happened in Brand Street at 2.50am on Sunday, June 10. The victim, a man in his 20s, was sat on a bench near where Brand Street meets the High Street when about eight men approached him.

They physically assaulted him, repeatedly kicking and punching him, and left him with cuts and bruises.

A 19-year-old man from Baldock has been arrested on suspicion of resisting or obstructing a police constable in connection with this incident, and has been released under investigation.

Do you recognise either of the men pictured? If you do, email investigator Claire Scales on claire.scales@herts.pnn.police.uk or give information online at herts.police.uk/report or on 101. Quote crime investigation number 41/6153/18.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.