A MAN was viciously mugged and had his head stamped on in Rayleigh in the early hours of Saturday.

The victim, from Wickford, had been on a night out with his cousin in the town.

The pair were in Bull Lane, just before 1am when they were approached by a group of men.

The 35-year-old was assaulted and had his wallet stolen, which contained £40 cash.

A thug stamped on his head during the attack, and he suffered a cut above his left eye which needed stitches.

He was also left with two black eyes following the incident.

His cousin wasn’t attacked.

Investigating officer, Det Con Shelley Utley, said: “This was a violent assault during which the male had his head stamped on whilst he was on the ground and had his wallet taken.

“I would appeal to members of the public to help us identify those responsible so we can bring them to justice as soon as possible.”

One of the suspects is described as wearing a white T-shirt and three-quarter length jeans with his boxers showing.

An ambulance service spokeswoman said that they were called to an address in Rayleigh and took one person to Southend General Hospital.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Con Shelley Utley, or her colleagues at Southend CID, on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.