A cyclist was punched and kicked to the ground by a group of men wielding toy guns following a drive-by shooting.

The 29-year-old victim was cycling down Lodge Road between 3.50pm and 4.05pm on June 29.

Whilst cycling, he was fired at with gel blasters - toy guns with polymer water beads - by men in a passing car.

When the cyclist caught up to the car at the traffic lights on the junction, three men got out and punched and kicked him to the ground.

Daily Echo:

Members of the public intervened and the group returned to their car and drove off down Rose Road.

Five minutes later they returned and fired gel blasters at the cyclist again whilst he was being helped by members of the public.

The man suffered a split lip during the assault.

READ MORE: Man attacked in the face outside Shirley school entrance

Officers are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the assault to come forward.

Daily Echo:

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We are keen to talk to anyone who recognises the three men involved, who are described as follows.

“One man is described as Asian, between 20-25 years-old, of average build, 6ft 2 inches tall, with short, straight black hair and wearing Eid dress robe.

“The second man is described as Asian, 20-25 years-old, of skinny build, 5ft 5 – 5ft 6 inches tall, with short, straight black hair, and wearing Eid dress robe.

“The final man is also described as Asian, 20-25 years-old, short black hair, and wearing a white t-shirt.

“If you have any information that could help with our investigation, please call 101 quoting reference number 44230260218."

Anyone with information can also go online and submit information via the police website.

They can also report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.