A MILKMAN was pushed to the ground before being punched and kicked by a gang of youths who ran off with his £300 takings.

The 45-year-old was just about to get back inside his milkfloat when the gang appeared from behind him.

He suffered bruising to his face and arms and a badly swollen cheek.

Hedge End police are now appealing for witnesses to the attack in Shamblehurst Lane, Hedge End, at 4am on Saturday.

PC Ed Witty, of Hedge End Police, said the attack on the milkman, who works for Unigate dairies in Sholing, happened near the municipal dump.

He said: "The milkman was out of his float at the time but the bag with the money was inside the cab. They attacked him, knocked him to the ground, stole his bag and ran off.

"He then got back in the milkfloat and drove to Hedge End village where he met a colleague who phoned the police."

There were five or six white male attackers, who are all described as aged about 17, approximately 5ft 6ins and wearing baseball caps and trainers.

PC Witty said: "This was a totally unprovoked attack on a member of the public going about his duty. For this to have happened at 4am is quite abysmal.

"We would appeal for anybody to come forward who either witnessed the assault or saw a group of five or six lads hanging around that area either before or after that time."

Anyone with information is urged to call Hedge End Police on 0845 045 45 45.