A GROUP of robbers knocked a man to the floor before repeatedly kicking him in the head and legs.

It happened at about 9.40pm yesterday as the victim was walking along Flagstaff Road, near the garrison, in Colchester.

The 27-year-old, who is from Colchester, was approached by five men, one of whom then hit him across the back of the head, knocking him to the ground.

The group, some of whom appeared to be teenagers, then attacked the man, kicking him in the head and legs.

He desperately began emptying his pockets onto the ground in an attempt to make them stop the violent attack, but they carried on attacking him.

The men only stopped when a passing car flashed its lights and beeped its horn at the group.

They grabbed a number of the man’s belongings and ran off.

One of the attackers is described as white, about 6ft tall and of a muscular build. He was in his mid to late teens, and was wearing a blue and white hooded top with the hood up. The top had horizontal stripes running round it and was zipped at the front.

He was also wearing three-quarter length khaki-coloured trousers and white trainers.

Another of the men was black, about 5ft 8ins, and very thin. He had short hair and wore a light-coloured sweatshirt and jeans.

Det Con Richard Edwards, of Colchester CID, said: “We are particularly keen to speak to the passing motorist who flashed their lights or any residents in the Magdalen Green area of town, as they may have some key information which could help us bring these individuals to justice.

“We would urge anyone with information to please get in touch.”

Witnesses, or the driver of the passing car, should call Colchester Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.