POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in Sherbourne Place, in Nythe, on New Year's Day.

The incident took place at 2.30am when a group of friends were walking to a house party when they were approached by a man who threatened one of the group and told him to hand over his phone.

He then punched the victim twice in the head before running off.

The victim’s jaw was broken in two places and he spent several days in hospital.

The suspect is described as white, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8ins, in his late 20s to late 30s, of a large chunky build with a bald/shaven head. He was wearing a grey hooded top and dark jogging bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.