POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was punched in the face while walking home during the early hours of Sunday.

The assault happened at about 12.10am as the 24-year-old was walking up Gravel Hill carrying a pizza.

Police say a small group of men were walking towards the town centre and one of them crossed the road and approached the victim.

PC Wayne Strangwood, said: “The assailant knocked the pizza out of his hands and verbally abused him. He then punched the man once in the face, causing bleeding to the mouth.

“The suspect is not known to the victim and the assault was unprovoked. I am appealing for witnesses or for any information which might help identify the person responsible. Please contact Ludlow or Leominster police stations on 101, or call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

PC Strangwood said the offender ran off towards Station Drive as a police patrol approached.

He is described as white, in his twenties, about six feet tall, fairly stocky in build and was wearing a black hoody type top with dark bottoms.