Police believe a man was slashed with a knife after being hit on the back of the head with a metal pole by a gang of men.

The victim was approached by a vehicle with no lights on while walking towards the McDonald’s in the side street next to Sandy Lane (A41), Bushey, at around 3am today (June 4).

Four men got out of the vehicle and moved towards the victim before he was reportedly struck in the back of the head with a metal pole, knocking him to the ground. They continued to strike him on the floor, injuring his face and hands.

It is thought that one of the assailants was carrying a knife, as the victim suffered slash wounds to the stomach and chest.

Two of the attackers were described as black and around 5ft 10ins tall, wearing snoods. The other two men were described as white and of mixed ethnic origin respectively.

Herts Police are now appealing for witnesses.

Investigator Chloe Harding said: “I am interested in speaking to anyone who might have been in the area around the time of the incident, who may have vital information to support our ongoing investigation.

“If you were driving on the A41 near to where this occurred and noticed something you think was suspicious, please also contact me by emailing chloe.harding@herts.police.uk .”