A man was assaulted in an unprovoked daytime attack in West Ewell on Wednesday, police said.
The incident happened at 4pm on Chessington Road when the victim, a man in his 20s, was in Circle Pizza and another man entered and began hitting him over the head with a weapon.
The victim managed to get away from his attacker but the fight spilled outside into the parade of shops.
One witness, a woman, shouted at the man to leave the victim alone.
At this point the victim was driven away in a silver car which drove off in the direction of Norton and Epsom.
Just after 5pm the victim was found at Epsom General Hospital receiving treatment for a head injury.
Officers have arrested a man, in his 20s, in connection with this assault who is currently in police custody.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jackie Elkins said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked assault on a man in broad daylight in what would have been a busy part of west Ewell.
“I do not believe this was a random attack and my officers have already made a significant arrest.
“However, I appealing to anyone who near Circle Pizza, in Chessington Road, on Wednesday afternoon at about 4pm to come forward.
“I am specifically appealing to the woman who shouted at the suspect to leave the victim alone to come forward.
"She is described as wearing a white top – was that you?
"I am also keen to trace two schoolboys who were in the kebab shop at the time of the assault and the driver of a red Toyota Yaris, or a similar small car, in Hollymoor Lane who may have seen two men getting into the silver car.
“When the victim arrived at Epsom Hospital he spoke to a woman and asked to use her mobile phone.
"She was smoking a cigarette and helped the victim inside the hospital. It is vital we trace this Good Samaritan as she may have vital information.
“I want to talk to anyone who may have any information at all, not matter how small or insignificant it may seem, in order for those responsible to be brought 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 555 111.”
Neighbourhood Inspector for Epsom and Ewell Ailsa Quinlan added: “We know this was not a stranger attack and I would like to reassure the community we have already arrested a person.
"However, this was a serious and unprovoked assault and we need your help to identify those responsible for it. I would appeal to all members of the community to do the right thing and come forward with as much information as possible to assist detectives with their enquiries.”
Anyone who was in the Chessington Road area of West Ewell on Wednesday, 15 July, at about 4pm is encouraged to contact DI Elkins at Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference EP/09/3393 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
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