WINCHESTER police are appealing for witnesses after a man working at the Hat Fair was assaulted.

The attack happened between 11.30pm and midnight on Saturday, July 6 at North Walls Recreation Park, police said today.

The victim, a 34-year-old man, who has not been named, was walking back to his tent when he was assaulted by a group of about five people.

He was thrown to the ground and kicked repeatedly before being pushed into the river which resulted in a dislocated shoulder.

PC Ben Vanes, from Winchester police station, said: “Winchester would have been fairly busy on the night of this incident due to people visiting the city to enjoy the Hat Fair.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the assault or who saw a group of people drinking on the cricket pitch around the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Vanes by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.