POLICE are today stepping up their investigation into a gang attack on a Hampshire man.

The 40-year-old, from Hythe, was walking along Water Lane in Totton when he was hit on the head.

A gang of four or five men punched and kicked him while he was on the ground and hit him with a bottle or glass. After stealing £100 and two lighters, the attackers fled.

The man was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was treated for head injuries and bruising.

DC Beth Morgan-Elliott said: "Due to the severity of the attack, the offenders' clothing is likely to be bloodstained.

We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault, saw the offenders fleeing the scene, or anyone returning home with bloodstained clothing which they believe is suspicious to contact us."

One of the stolen Zippo lighters was plain silver, the other had a Chelsea FC design and was engraved with Happy 40th Birthday Pete'.

The attack happened at 2.30am on Sunday. Contact Lyndhurst CID on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.