POLICE are appealing for information after a man suffered a significant head injury and broken arm - after apparently being mugged of his pet RAT.

Ian Harvey, 53, does not recollect how he came about the injuries sometime between 11pm and midnight on Sunday, 1 April.

He was left badly hurt after the mysterious incident in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.

PC Jim Whatley said: "Mr Harvey is well-known in Weston-super-Mare and is often seen carrying his pet rat on his shoulder.

Chard & Ilminster News:

"He recalls being confronted by a man who asked him to hand over the rat but then does not know what happened next.

"We're keeping an open mind and are investigating whether Mr Harvey was assaulted and whether any offences have been committed.

"Mr Harvey was wearing a distinctive knee length coat and flat cap at the time and I'm hoping someone remembers seeing him and can help us explain his injuries.

"He would've been bleeding heavily as a result of the head wound and would most probably have been extremely disorientated."

If you have information which could help our inquiry call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5218070079.