A MAN was stabbed then kicked in the head as he lay bleeding on the ground in a Hampshire street.

The victim was attacked after being dropped off by a friend in Portsmouth Road, in Woolston, Southampton.

Police say the man was near the New Bridge Inn when he was stabbed with “some sort of sharp object” then forced to the ground and kicked in the head.

The victim received two minor stab wounds in the attack on Monday between 6pm and 7pm that are not life threatening.

House-to-house enquiries have been carried out and forensic work is underway while officers are also appealing for information.

Detective Sergeant Will Whale said: “This was a nasty attack on a man who was left needing hospital treatment. At this stage we don't why he was targeted.

“The attack happened in the early evening in an area where it's likely there would have been quite a few people walking and driving past. I would appeal for anyone who saw the incident or anyone acting suspiciously in the area around 6 to 7pm on Monday night to contact me.”

Det Sgt Whale can be contact on 101 or information about the crime can also be left anonymously with the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.