A 50-year-old victim suffered injuries to his head and face after being brutally punched and kicked in Stevenage on Wednesday.

At around 11.30pm, the male victim was walking along Nicholas Place when a red car drove past. He shouted for them to slow down and the motorist pulled over before two men got out of the vehicle.

One of the offenders held back the victim’s friend, while the other punched him, causing him to fall to the ground where he was kicked in the head several times.

Detective Constable Karen Dewar, who is investigating, said: “This was a violent, unprovoked attack that left the victim with fractures to his eye sockets, cuts and bruising.

“We believe that the vehicle the offenders got out of was being driven by a woman and I am appealing for her to come forward to speak to police.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who believes they know who may be responsible for this assault or saw the two offenders in the area around the time stated.”

Anyone with information should contact Herts police on 101, quoting crime reference E1/17/3385.