A VIOLENT man pounced on a stranger before putting him in a headlock and repeatedly punching him in a savage attack, it was revealed today.

The 23-year-old victim was approached by the attacker, who suddenly grabbed his head, but he was able to fight him off.

However, moments later the thug returned and attacked the victim again, this time striking him several times in the face.

Police investigating the assault have urged anyone with information to come forward.

The incident happened shortly before 6pm on Thursday January 12, when the victim was walking near the roundabout with Kings Road and Hectors Way in Newbury.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "The victim, a 23-year-old man, was approached by a man, who punched the victim and put him into a headlock.

"He was able to escape and the suspect left, but returned quickly to the area and launched a further attack on the victim, punching him several times in the face.

"The victim received a cut to the eyebrow and scratches as a result of the attack. He didn’t require hospital treatment."

Officers described the offender as a stocky, white man who wore a dark tracksuit and drove a blue Volkswagen golf.

A 23 year-old man from Newbury was arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm. He was released on bail until March 28.