A man has been run over by a car, was subjected to a vicious assault by a group of thugs and had liquid poured over him.

He was left with a broken ankle, punctured lung and broken ribs in what police describe as a “terrifying and sustained assault”.

His ordeal started on Sunday evening (April 26) between 8.30pm and 9pm in Nimbus Road, Ewell.

The man, in his 40s, was knocked over by a small silver car, possibly a Volkswagen.

He was then chased by three or four men who began to hit him.

The victim then had an unknown liquid poured over him.

Police say that the victim was probably known to the attackers.

The suspects left in the car in the direction of Hollymoor Lane. The victim was taken to St Helier Hospital and the police began their investigation including house to house inquiries.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Paul Gordon said: "On Sunday evening a man was severely beaten in a terrifying and sustained assault.

“However, I do not believe this was a random attack and my officers are already following up a number of lines of enquiry.

“If you were in the Nimbus Road area of Ewell on Sunday, April 26, and recall seeing a small silver car, possibly with accident damage at about 8.30pm or 9pm I want to talk to you.

“I need anyone who witnessed either the collision or the assault to come forward in order for me to arrest those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Anyone with information regarding this assault is encouraged to speak with a member of my team but I understand if you wish to remain anonymous then please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Neighbourhood Inspector for Epsom and Ewell Ailsa Quinlan added: “This kind of vicious assault, which caused the victim such serious injuries, is rare.

"We are fairly confident this was not a stranger attack and I would like to reassure the community we are doing all we can to assist detectives.

“But put simply we need your help.

"It is vital the community does not keep quiet and I would encourage anyone who has any information relating to Sunday night’s assault to come forward.”

Anyone who was in the Nimbus Road area of Ewell on Sunday, 26 April, between 8.30pm and 9pm is encouraged to contact DI Gordon at Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.