A teenager had to flee a gang of violent yobs by jumping onto a bus after they punched and kicked him to the ground.

The youth was attacked by the group outside the council offices in Military Road, Canterbury, on Friday night and later had to go to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

His attackers are said to have kicked and punched him to the ground and smashed his head on a kerb.

Police investigating the assault say it happened at about 6.30pm when the victim was set upon by a group of young males who used a bike "as a weapon" by ramming it into his legs.

A spokesman said: "Following the incident, the victim sought assistance from a bus driver who let him onto the bus, he travelled home and alerted the police."

Posting on the Canterbury Residents Group Facebook page, his mother branded her son's attackers "scumbags".

"My son was attacked tonight in Canterbury," she wrote.

"They were young youths all carrying weapons. One was on a bike. They smashed his head off the kerb and kicked and punched him to the floor.

"He is on his way to hospital. Let's catch these scumbags."

Police are investigating the incident as an ABH and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/23262/22.

They can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.