A GANG of thugs kicked and punched a man who had to be rushed to hospital after they stole £1,000 from his wallet.

The victim, a 51-year-old man, was approached by a group of three people on Weldale Street in the early hours of April 14 as he left the town centre to return to his car.

He was shoved to the ground, kicked and punched in the head and torso and was rushed to hospital after sustaining rib injuries.

The violent attack, which is believed to have happened at around 3am, may have been spotted by residents living in the area.

Police have also appealed for a man who stopped to help the victim to come forward to assist with their investigation.

Throughout the attack, the man continued to call for help, but by the time the good Samaritan had arrived the thieves had already taken his wallet.

He was given a black eye and suffered cuts and bruises to his head and face. He has since been discharged from hospital.

Designated case investigator, Mark Sainsbury, of the Investigation Hub based in Reading, said: “We believe a resident may have shouted for the attackers to stop from an upstairs window in a property along the street and another man stopped to help the victim once the offenders had run off. We urge them to please come forward.

“We are also appealing to anyone else who may have witnessed this incident or may have any information to get in touch.

“If you have any information about the incident, please call 101 and quote reference number 43180111180.

“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The first offender is a white woman, of large build, believed to be in her 20s and about 5ft 5in tall. She was wearing black-rimmed glasses and a light grey Puffa-style jacket.

The second is a light-skinned man, around 25 years old, about 5ft 7in tall, with short, dark, curly hair.

The third offender is also a light-skinned male, slim build, with short, dark hair and short facial hair. He was wearing dark blue jeans with a dark jumper that had darker coloured sleeves.

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '43180111180', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.