A man is in hospital after a "very violent attack" in which he was knocked to the ground and assaulted by a group of youths.

The 27-year-old was walking on Hamilton Road near to Crossgates in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, when he was approached by the gang of four young men at about 1am on Monday.

He was taken to hospital following the assault where he was treated for injuries to his head and body. Staff describe his condition as stable.

Detective constable Stephen Williams said: "This was a very violent attack with no apparent motive which has left this young man with significant injuries.

"At the time of the attack, the streets were very quiet, however I appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity and who witnessed the incident, or anyone who saw a group of youths hanging around the area, to contact police immediately."