A man was subjected to a violent assault last night by a gang of six men who kicked and punched him while he was on the ground.
The victim had been walking along Victoria Road, Lockwood when he was approached from behind by a man who put an arm around his throat and pulled him over.
It was then that the group approached and began attacking him while the first man demanded he hand over his valuables.
The victim managed to get back to his feet and hit one of his assailants before running along Victoria Road in the direction of the town centre.
But after a few feet he was dragged to the floor again by the first man and attacked again by the group who once again demanded his valuables.
The ordeal only ended when the group were forced to disperse, possibly due to a car or passer-by, and they ran off towards Swan Lane.
The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack which happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Sunday.
PC Dean Wolstencroft, of Kirklees CID, said: “This was a violent attack and it is fortunate that the victim only suffered minor injuries. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information that could help with our enquiries.”
The main suspect, who was the first man to assault the victim, was an Afro Caribbean male, around 18 years old and approximately 5 ft 9.
He was of slim build with a round face. The man had his hood up so the victim did not get a good look at his hair but he believes it was black and short. He was wearing a distinctive, bulky, padded black parka coat with a brown, fur-lined hood and it was zipped up.
Anyone with information should contact Kirklees CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to provide information anonymously.
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
