A man needed surgery after his jaw was broken in what police are describing as an unprovoked attack in Margate.

The 54-year-old, from Westgate, was drinking in a bar in Cecil Square in the early hours of Friday, August 9. He left at about 2.30am to get money from the cashpoint of a nearby bank. At the machine he got into an altercation with another man, who is believed to have assaulted him and broken his jaw. The £20 he withdrew from the cashpoint and an umbrella in a carrier bag were also stolen. The man was taken to the QEQM hospital in Margate, before being transferred to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford for surgery.

Detective Constable Paul Francklin said: “We know that there were people in the square that night as several went to help the victim.

“We are very keen to hear from anyone who was there, who saw what happened and can assist with our investigation.

“This man was enjoying a quiet night out and there appears to have been no disputes or arguments earlier in the evening that could have led to this very nasty assault and robbery.

A 26-year-old Margate man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and has been released on bail until 16 October pending further investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Francklin on 01843 222105 giving reference ZY/22815/13 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.