Police are appealing for witnesses to an attack on a cyclist who was punched in the face on his way to work.

The assault took place in Cheriton High Street on Thursday, April 24, between 9.10am and 9.20am.

A 22-year-old local man was cycling along the High Street on his way to work in Folkestone. As he approached the traffic lights at the junction of Risborough Lane the lights changed to green and he overtook a couple of cars that were still stationary.

As he cycled passed Somerset Road, a bronze-coloured Vauxhall Astra pulled alongside him and a passenger shouted abuse at him.

When the cyclist reached Coombe Road he was pushed by a pedestrian waiting to cross. The man shouted at him, implying that he was getting his own back for cutting him up, and the cyclist fell from his bike under a rain of punches.

The victim ran over to the footpath outside The Morehall pub, but he was followed by the offender, who punched him in the face. He was also kicked in the groin.

The offender walked off towards the Cherry Garden Avenue crossroads.

The cyclist suffered a broken thumb and will need surgery. He also has several cuts and bruises. Around £150 damage was caused to his bicycle when he fell off.

Folkestone police would like to speak to anyone who has information about the incident, particularly a woman who spoke to the cyclist after the attack and staff of a nearby shop.

Contact South Kent Police on 01303 289180 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.