Police are appealing for witnesses to two serious unprovoked attacks, which left one victim in hospital with a fractured eye socket.

The assaults happened on the same day - last Thursday, May 8 - in the same area of Ashford and officers believe they may be linked.

The first attack was on a 23-year-old man who was cycling through the park behind Asda at about 6pm.

He was knocked off his bike and punched and kicked to the floor which left him with bruising and swelling to his head, hands and upper body. A woman passer-by shouted and the offender ran off.

The second attack happened about an hour later on Norman Road when a 47-year-old man was pushed to the ground and the attacker stamped on his head.

He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital with a fractured eye socket and cheekbone. Again, a member of the public shouted and saw off the attacker.

DC Helen Smithers said: "The motive for the later assault is unclear, but it may have been racially motivated as the victim is of Asian appearance."

The two victims described their attacker as white, clean-shaven and as having a 'tribal' tattoo on his left arm.

Anyone with information about the attacks is asked to contact South Kent Police on 01303 289180.

Alternatively call the Crimestoppers Hotline on 0800 555 111.