A MAN was punched to the ground and stamped on before being robbed in Weymouth town centre, police said.

Weymouth police are appealing for witnesses to the attack and for the victim to come forward as they attempt to catch the ‘cowardly robbers’.

The victim was assaulted at around 4.30am on Sunday in Maiden Street.

Police said that he was approached by three men as he walked along the road and was punched to the ground by one of the men before having his head stamped on.

Once he was on the floor the victim’s assailants then searched through his pockets and police believe stole some of his property, officers said.

PC Chris Bevins said: “This was a particularly vicious attack in which the robbers have picked out a victim who was too drunk to be able to defend himself.

“I need to trace the victim urgently and I also need to speak with anyone else who knows the identity of the victim of these cowardly robbers – as well as from any witnesses who saw this incident in Maiden Street on Sunday morning.

“I’m also very keen to hear from anyone else who has any information that might help me identify those responsible for this violent attack.”

Police said they attended the scene of the attack but that the victim had gone.

PCSO Clive Joyner added: “We are appealing for the victim as well as any witnesses to come forward as the victim left the scene prior to police arrival.

“We think he sustained head injuries and had some property stolen.”

One of the attackers is described as black, aged in his early 30s, over six feet tall and of medium build with very short hair. On the night in question he was wearing a grey jumper and a blue baseball cap.

The other two men are described by police as white, of medium build and with short dark hair.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Bevins or PCSO Joyner at Dorset Police on 01305 222222.