A man was attacked by a gang after he refused to hand over his designer jacket while walking near Kingston's John Lewis.

The victim, whose name and age have not been released, was walking with a friend near the department store, in Vicarage Road, at about 11.45pm on Friday, November 4, when he was approached by the gang.

After one man asked the victim for a cigarette, a second man told the victim to remove his jacket.

When he refused, he was circled by the 10 to 15 member-strong gang which then pushed him on the floor and began to beat him up, a police spokesman said

As women members of the group tried to stop the assault, the victim was able to escape the attackers.

He suffered injuries amounting to grievous bodily harm.

Descriptions of some of the attackers have been released by detectives.

One is described as a white man, 20 to 24 years old, about 170cm and of medium build with an English accent.

The second a mixed-race man, 19 to 23 years old and 165cm.

The third a mixed race man, 175cm and with black, curly, shoulder length hair.

The fourth a black man, with short dark hair and was wearing a grey coloured coat.

The final suspect is described as a white men, about 5ft 10in, wearing a hoodie pulled over his head

Others in the group including the women are all described as of 18 to 25 years old.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.