AN investigation has been launched after a man was punched and kicked in a “nasty” assault in Redditch on Friday (September 8).

Officers from Redditch Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the incident, which took place at about 3.30am.

The victim, a man in his 30's, was walking through the underpass at the bottom of Beoley Road West that leads to Holloway Lane when he was approached by two men.

They proceeded to walk with him along Beoley Road East and onto Kingsley Avenue, claiming they were making sure he would get home ok.

While on Kingsley Avenue, the men are reported to have assaulted the victim, punching and pushing him to the ground while continuing to kick him.

The two men are believed to have run off back in the direction they came from, taking the victim's wallet and leaving him with significant injuries to his face that have required hospital treatment.

Detective Constable Samantha Moore of Redditch CID said: “The victim has been subjected to a nasty attack and we are asking members of the local community to contact us if they witnessed the incident.

“One of the men is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build with blond hair, styled long on top and shaved around the sides.

“The second man is described as dark skinned, 5ft 9in tall and of stocky build with short, shaved black hair. Both men are also described as speaking with English accents.

“I urge anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting incident number 35s of 8 September and asking for DC Moore.”

Information can be given anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.