Two attacks within three hours

lstafford@thekmgroup.co.uk on Saturday, August 17. An 18-year-old Japanese student had just got off a bus when a man approached her from behind and grabbed her handbag, which contained an iPad, camera and some cash.

When she tried to keep hold of her bag she fell to the ground and was dragged along by the suspect, suffering severe grazes.

The attacker, who was of average height and build and wearing a hooded top, then fled with through the car park entrance with another man.

The second attack happened near the Westgate Towers in St Peter’s Street just three hours later.

A 29- year- old man was approached by a white man in his 20s, who started being abusive.

The next thing the victim remembers is crawling away in pain.

He was taken to hospital, where he was treated for a broken jaw, chipped teeth and cuts to his elbows.

The suspect is described as 5ft 11in, of average build, with brown, medium length hair and a local accent.

He was with another man, who was eating a kebab at the time, and is described as white, in his early 20s, stockier than the main suspect, 5ft 11in and with very short, dark hair.

Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault, particularly a man who spoke to the main suspect at the time.

Anyone who has information about either attack is asked to call DC Kelly Boyd on 01227 744732 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.