An eight-year-old boy is one of the thugs police are looking for after a man was punched to the ground then hit and kicked as he lay on the floor.

The 41-year-old victim was walking through South Norwood Recreation Ground towards the Norwood High Street when he was approached by three young people near the tennis courts.

One of the boys punched him causing him to fall to the ground.

He and his friends punched and kicked him and were joined by a number of other youths, who joined in the assault.

Three men intervened, causing the suspects to run off.

The victim spent two days in hospital recovering from the attack.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the assault happened at about 5.30pm on March 27 but officers had been carrying out enquiries before releasing details to the public.

The first suspect is described as black, in his early teens, about 5ft 9in, with braided hair.

The second suspect is described as black, about eight years old, about 5ft, with an afro hairstyle.

The third is described as black, in his early teens and around 5ft 2ins.

Anyone with any information should call Croydon police’s CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.