Two men have told how they feared for their lives after a late night attack in Canterbury left them scarred for life.

Joshua Buggins and Matthew White say they were attacked by a gang of youths said to be armed with a metal bar, chain and knuckle duster in the Dane John Gardens on Friday night.

The pair - who were left needing more than 20 stitches - were set upon as they walked through the gardens after a night out with friend Aimee Fergusson.

Warning: Graphic image below

The two tree surgeons, who grew up in the city together, were walking to Canterbury East station to catch a train home when they were targeted.

Mr Buggins, 28, lost an eyebrow during the attack and suffered a broken nose and chipped teeth.

He said: "This wasn't like a schoolboy fight - they were causing malicious harm.

"They split us up - we were at either end of the park. I don't know how the hell I got of it.

"Matt could have been put into a coma."

Mr White, also 28, had his right ear ripped in half during the attack and was knocked out at one point.

He said: "It was a bit horrific and I'm still in a bit of shock.

"I am a big lad, I'm built strong, I'm a farm boy and can take a knocking but anyone smaller than me would have died..." - Matthew White

"I am a big lad, I'm built strong, I'm a farm boy and can take a knocking but anyone smaller than me would have died.

"It knocked me out, put me to the deck and it takes a lot to knock me out.

"I got a blow to the head and it knocked me out for a little bit."

Both are calling on the police to closely monitor groups of youngsters that congregate in the Dane John area at night.

Mr Buggins said: “They’re not gang members as they’d like to pretend. They’re young kids trying to make a name for themselves.”

Mr White agreed. “This isn’t Los Angeles, it’s Canterbury, a respectable, historic city,” he said.

“Yet these kids seem to think they can run riot. We’ve got to increase the police presence before someone is left for dead.”

Two boys, aged 16 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.

Both have been bailed while inquiries continue.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Two suspects have been bailed and we await results of items that have been sent for forensic examination.

“The injuries sustained are serious and understandably this is an alarming event. We will continue to ensure that Dane John Gardens remain a priority target area for our patrols."