SURREY Police are appealing for witnesses after a middle-aged man was left with a bloodied head after an assault in Farnham town centre last Friday afternoon.

The incident happened in broad daylight close to the entrance to Lion and Lamb Yard in West Street at around 3.45pm.

According to police, the victim was walking along the pavement when he became involved in a “verbal altercation” with another man, who punched him several times and knocked him to the ground before running off.

Two police cars and an ambulance quickly arrived at the scene, and paramedics treated the victim for a nasty scrape to the top of his head. His injuries were not serious enough to require hospital treatment, and police officers later took a statement from him at the scene.

However, they were unable to find the suspect and an investigation into the assault is ongoing.

Several eye-witnesses shared their account of the incident on Facebook, including Rosie Olivia Fearn who apparently made the initial 999 call following the attack.

Rosie wrote on the ‘Farnham Rants’ page: “The man put his shopping down at the edge of the road nearest the shops. He then fumbled and brushed against another man who proceeded to attack him.

“Then a man and woman helped get him off and then I phone the police and ambulance.

“The gentleman who had been attacked was under the influence but not aggressive. He just moved to the side. Wobbled slightly into someone who then attacked him leaving him with head injuries.”

Surrey Police urges anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any other information, to call 101, quoting crime reference number 45170079269 or use the online reporting system report.police.uk/.

Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.