A SECURITY guard was beaten to the ground in an attack in the grounds of the Queen Mother Hospital at Margate.

The 59-year-old man was called to the deal with a group of eight youths with skateboards who had been causing a nuisance at the Ramsgate Road side of the site.

A police spokeswoman said: “ He asked the youths to leave but was verbally abused by one boy and hit from behind by another. He fell to the ground and was either kicked or hit with a skateboard causing an injury to his eye. When he got up, his attackers had gone.”

The main offender was aged in his mid to late teens, 5ft 8in tall, and of medium build. He is said to be of mixed race with dark brown hair in dreadlocks. He wore dark clothes and is thought to have been carrying a skateboard. Another of the youths may have been walking using crutches.

He attack happened at 3pm on Saturday and police are keen to speak to any witnesses, in particular women who were waiting at a nearby bus stop.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Det Con Pip Harvey on 01843 222146.