WITNESSES have been asked to step forward after a man was beaten up in Bromsgrove.

The 26-year-old was walking with friends in Rockhill, when a woman yelled abuse at him, said police.

A group near the Greyhound pub then attacked him at about 2am last Friday.

Police said the man was knocked to the ground and kicked to the upper part of his body.

During the attack further abusive comments were made. He suffered cuts to his face that required stitches as well as bruising.

"This is a despicable attack and we believe it to be a case of mistaken identity," said PC Martin Jenkins, of Bromsgrove police.

"I would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area of the Greyhound public house at this time or who may have seen the incident to contact me.

All of the group are described as white and in their late teens to early 20s. One of the male attackers was wearing a white bandage on his head.

Anyone with information can call Bromsgrove police on 01527 584888 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

"Police enquiries to date show that one of the men from the attacking group stood back from the attack and police are appealing for this man to come forward as soon as possible."