Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was left with a fractured eye socket and taken to hospital following an assault by a group of teenagers.

The victim was allegedly attacked with stones being thrown at his rowing boat by the Thames tow path near Desborough Island, Weybridge at about 7pm on Tuesday, July 7.

The incident is being linked by officers to a stone-throwing incident on June 19, where stones were thrown from a bridge at the same location damaging a passing boat.

Police would like to speak to a man with ginger hair, a woman with blonde hair and an Asian man that may have been there at the time.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Jones from Surrey Police said: “This was a nasty assault on an innocent victim and we are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We are carrying out a full investigation and local officers are carrying out inquiries in the area as well as reviewing CCTV opportunities to track down the offenders. We have also stepped up patrols in the area to provide a visible deterrent.

“We would also like to remind the public to remain vigilant whilst you are out and about and to report any incidents or suspicious behaviour to police straight away.”

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference 45150059450 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.