An investigation has been launched after a shocking video showed a man being brutally attacked in Watford town centre.

The victim was punched in the face in an unprovoked assault as he walked with two other people and a woman with a stroller on June 14.

Footage shared by @CrimeLdn no Twitter showed it happened in The Parade just outside the Peace Hospice Care store.

READ ALSO: Probe exposes failings before 13-week-old baby murdered by mum's partner

At the time the attack was not reported to the police until Hertfordshire Constabulary were made aware by the Watford Observer.

But now a spokesperson has explained the victim has been identified and police are “formally investigating”.

The person recording followed a hooded male from a distance, who then approached the victim from the side and punched him in the face.

The attacker then repeatedly punched the victim until he dropped to the ground and was kicked several times.

A random woman intervened as she shouted “stop it, stop” and separated the two.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.