TEN armed thugs savagely beat a young man as he walked alone.

They attacked the 20-year-old with knives and batons and then took his mobile phone and other personal items.

As the victim tried to escape his attackers followed him down the road.

He later went to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and was held overnight as he was treated for cuts and bruises.

Detective Constable Andy Mountford-Laker said it had been an isolated incident but it was important that those responsible were identified as soon as possible.

He said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened, who noticed the group concerned before, during or after the attack, or who may have other information, dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist our enquiries.”

The incident happened at 11.45pm on April 11at the village cricket pitch in Forest Row, near East Grinstead.

Sussex Police are asking who is witnessed the attack or has information on it to report it online or phone 101, quoting serial 74 of 12/04.

Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, either online or by phoning 0800 555 111.