Dyfed Powys Police are appealing for information from the public following a serious assault in which the victim was severely beaten and thrown onto a railway line at the weekend.

The assault on the 28-year-old man occurred in the Ryelands Lane area of Kilgetty, and in the vicinity of Kilgetty Railway Station, sometime on Sunday between 2 and 7 am.

Before the assault, the attacker was sat on a bench adjacent to the village's chip shop, where he spoke to the victim.

The attacker is described as male, white, approximately five-foot eight inches tall, and is aged in his early 20s. He is of slim build, with dark gelled flat hair. He was wearing a white top with blue jeans.

Following the assault, the attacker walked off in the direction of Stepaside School.

Detective Chief Inspector Shane Williams said: "This was a particularly vicious assault and the victim is recovering with support from police and other agencies.

"I am appealing for anyone who was in Kilgetty, specifically in the vicinity of the chip shop, Ryelands Lane or the railway station, on Sunday between 2 and 7 am, to contact police as soon as possible.

"I'm also urging anyone who may have seen this person walking in the area, sat on a bench or who witnessed the assault, or heard about the incident from family or friends to contact Dyfed Powys Police immediately on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

"While this was a serious assault, I would like to reassure the public that incidents of this nature are rare in Pembrokeshire and an incident room has been set-up at Haverfordwest Police Station."