Police are appealing for witnesses after a trio of men carried out two violent attacks near Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone.

The first attack happened when a 57-year-old man was followed by three men in Palace Avenue near the historic house on Saturday, February 25 between 9.35pm and 10pm.

The group followed the victim to the riverside before approaching him taking his mobile phone and knocking him to the ground.

Three robbers also targeted a 19-year-old man in Mill Street on Friday, February 21, between 1.30am and 1.45am. They asked him for a cigarette before punching him and knocking him to the floor.

While on the floor they continued to beat him before reaching into his pocket and stealing an iPhone 5c.

The phone was yellow and had a sticker photo of the victim’s grandfather on the back. An orange lighter was also stolen from the victim.

In both incidents the three men are Eastern European appearance and aged in their twenties to early thirties.

One man is 5ft 4ins with a slim build with the second man is 5ft 11ins and of a medium build. Both men were reported as having beards.

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting crime reference YY/5099/17 or call Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.