A 41-year-old man was assaulted in a "vicious attack" at a market.

The man was attacked by three men, sustaining cuts to his head and hands and fractures to his ankle, after the incident at Bovingdon market on Saturday.

He lost consciousness during the attack, following an initial verbal altercation, and was taken to hospital.

One of the men is described as white, aged in his forties, of an average build, around 5ft 10in tall and with short black hair. He was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, black boots, a hat and sunglasses.

The second man is described as white, in his early twenties, of a stocky build, with short light brown hair. He was shorter than the first man and was wearing grey jogging bottoms, black trainers and no top.

The third man is described as white, aged around 18, quite tanned, and of a stocky build. He was shorter than the two other men and was wearing a light sandy coloured vest with sparkly gold writing, and grey tracksuit bottoms.

DC Jane Swift, who is investigating, said: “This was a vicious attack, during which the victim lost consciousness. Thankfully this was regained.

“The incident took place in a very busy location so I am confident that there are witnesses who can help us with the investigation.

“If you saw what happened, or have any information, please contact me on jane.swift@herts.pnn.police.uk or the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference D1/18/4159.”