Officers are appealing for information and witnesses after a man was assaulted in Hitchin in the early hours of last Sunday morning (15 August).

The incident happened in Churchyard Walk between the market and the church between 4am and 5am after the victim left a bar.

He saw a group of males assaulting another male, approached to intervene and was then assaulted by the group.

The victim was punched and kicked and sustained a fractured eye socket and cuts and bruises.

He was taken to hospital and treatment is ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Will Ainsworth, from North Herts Local Crime Unit, said: "This despicable attack has left the victim badly injured. He was trying to help another male when he was set upon.

"As people head out tonight, I'm asking if anyone saw what happened last weekend?

"Were you in Hitchin town centre? Did you see either of these assaults? If you witnessed the incident, or have any other information that might assist our enquiries, please get in touch straight away."

He added: "The offenders are believed to include three or four white males and three or four black males, one with an Afro hairstyle. Most were wearing dark clothing."

Call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/64063/21.