A man has been assaulted with a wooden pole during a racist attack in Gravesend.

Kent Police detectives investigating the report of a racially aggravated assault in Taunton Vale, Gravesend are appealing for witnesses.

At around 9.50pm on August 24, the victim, who is of Sri Lankan origin, was loading items into the boot of his car when a white man in his mid-20s or early 30s approached him.

He racially abused the victim before hitting him over the head with what is believed to be a wooden pole.

The offender walked off towards a nearby construction site and the victim's family called the emergency services. He was taken to hospital with a head wound that required stitches.

His attacker is described as having large and muscular build and around six feet tall. He wore of a brown or orange balaclava, a white T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, believed to be grey.

Investigating officer, DC James Greenidge of Kent Police, said: "This was a disgraceful assault by a complete stranger on a man who was minding his own business.

"We are working to identify the offender and I would ask anybody who witnessed the incident or who has any information whatsoever to contact me on 01474 366093, quoting crime reference XY/030216/14.

"Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."