The vicious attack happened in Billington Road, Leighton, between the junction with Chartmoor Road and the A505, at about 8.45pm last Monday.

Bedfordshire Police spokesman Dave Cook said the 23-year-old victim was walking along when he was approached by a man who struck him in the face with a bottle, kicked him the head and demanded his mobile telephone.

The attacker, who was joined by a group of up to five others, stole a Sony Ericcson K800I, before the victim was further kicked while on the ground.

Mr Cook said the gang are believed to have got into a dark coloured Ford Ka that was parked in the entrance to haulage firm Bayliss Distribution. The victim suffered bruising to his head, jaw and nose.

Investigating officer PC Mark Caney, investigating, said the main attacker was black, about 6ft 2ins tall, slim and was wearing a dark tracksuit.

"Although this offence happened on the outskirts of town, it is a busy location and I am keen to speak to anyone who saw the incident, the offenders in the area or the Ford Ka," said PC Caney.

"This was a nasty offence and we are determined to catch those people responsible.

"If anyone has information they think may help, we would urge them to contact us as soon as possible."

PC Caney can be contacted in confidence on telephone number 01234-841212, anyone not wanting to give their name can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.