A man beaten up so badly he was in a coma for 18 days has regained consciousness.

The 21-year-old was involved in a fight in Hawley Street, Margate, in which he was punched and kicked until he was left unconscious in the street.

When police arrived, in the early hours of Sunday April 10, the victim already had serious injuries, including a fractured skull. He only came round from the coma yesterday.

DC Benjamin Loose, leading the investigation, said: "I am asking for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.

"A young man remains in hospital and those responsible for inflicting such serious injuries on him need to be identified and arrested.

"I am urging people to cast their minds back; did you go out in Margate on the evening of Saturday, 9 April, and perhaps see a fight on your way home?

"If you did or have any other information that may help this investigation, please contact the police today."

Anyone with information should contact 01622 690 690 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.