Detectives from East Surrey CID are appealing for information following an assault on a man in Whyteleafe.

The incident occurred at around 2am on Wednesday, 1 January when the victim, a 26-year-old man, was walking near Whyteleafe Railway Station with his 19-year-old girlfriend.

A group of men approached the man and assaulted him by kicking and punching. He was taken to East Surrey Hospital by South East Coast Ambulance Service for treatment to facial and chest injuries but has since been discharged.

Investigating officer Detective Constable James Vernon, said: "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault or the events surrounding it to contact officers with information.

"I would also appeal to anyone who saw a group of men either using a train to travel to the area or in the vicinity of Whyteleafe Railway Station, who they believe may connect to this incident to contact Surrey Police.

"I am releasing a number of CCTV stills of people I would like to speak to in connection with the incident as I believe they may hold information vital to the investigation. If you are one of the people in the images, or if you can identify a person, please contact Surrey Police or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously with information.”

"The victim and his girlfriend were walking home from a party in the area and it is believed other revellers who attended the same event may have seen the assault. If this applies to you, please make contact with detectives as soon as possible.”

A 19-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on police bail until Monday, 10 February while the investigation continues.

A number of enquiries have been made in the area since the incident including CCTV. Officers are now releasing a number of stills of people they would like to speak with in connection with the assault as they believe they were in the area around the time of the offence and may hold vital information.

Anyone who has information on this incident and who has not yet spoken with officers is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45140000062 or the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.