A NEW Year’s reveller was repeatedly kicked in the head by a gang of thugs as he walked home from a pub.

The man, in his 30’s, was on his way home to Lowford at about 1.30am, when five men struck as he walked along Portsmouth Road, Bursledon.

The victim had been celebrating the New Year at the Crow’s Nest Pub in Oak Hill.

The gang punched him to the ground and then kicked him in the head several times, leaving him with cuts and bruising and swelling to his face and ribs.

The five men were all white and aged between 18 and 24.

Police are speaking to witnesses and examining CCTV footage. Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw the assault to come forward.

Contact Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.