A milkman on his rounds was punched and pelted with milk bottles in an early morning attack in Reigate.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the assault which happened at about 4.45am on Friday, April 30.

The 49-year-old milkman was returning to his milk float parked in Ringley Park Road when a blue Honda Civic pulled up alongside the float.

The occupants of the car then stole a pint of milk and drove off.

But the milkman gave chase in his float and collided with the car.

On this, the driver of the Civic then got out, approached the milkman and punched him several times, while his accomplices pelted their victim and his float with milk bottles.

The milkman suffered cuts to his head in the attack and was taken for treatment to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rachael Pearson, said: "This was a vicious attack on an innocent man going about his daily work.”

Det Con Pearson said: “Fortunately the milkman was not seriously injured but this incident has left him very shaken.

"A number of enquiries are already underway and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the attack to come forward with any information.”

Anyone with information should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference RB/10/3968, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 17 year-old boy has been charged with actual bodily harm and will appear at South East Surrey Magistrates court on Thursday, May 13.

Two men aged 18 and 20 were released by Surrey Police without further action, and an 18 year-old man from Reigate was cautioned.