WITNESSES are being asked to come forward after a violent assault during which a Sikh's turban was knocked off his head.

A group of Asian men from the Sikh community were in Fort Gardens, Gravesend, when they were approached by a group of teenagers.

The teenagers were drinking beer and began playing football close to the men.

The football was then directly kicked towards the group, knocking the turban off one of the men.

The youths then started throwing stones, and when they were asked to stop, one member smashed a beer bottle and approached the men.

He punched one of them in the face, causing bruising and swelling to the victim's left eye.

The teenagers then shouted racist comments as they walked off towards the canal basin.

Police want to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack which took place on May 25 at around 5pm, or anyone who knows who the youths are.

The group is thought to be local and may have visited the gardens before.

They are all white and believed to be aged between 14-17-years-old.

Three girls and three boys made up the group and one of the girls was wearing a green top.

The boy who carried out the assault is described as around 5ft 6 tall and was wearing a white t-shirt.

Detective Constable Richard Debnam of Kent Police, who is investigating the case, said: "This mindless act of violence on law-abiding members of the local community will not be tolerated.

"Everybody should be able to enjoy the gardens and parks of Gravesend in peace without being subjected to this kind of harassment.

"I would encourage anyone who may have any information to contact us so that we can put a stop to this anti-social and destructive behaviour."

If you have information which may help police with their inquiries, or witnessed the incident, please call DC Debnam at Gravesend police station on 01474 565 282 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111. [Link]