A MAN needed 30 stitches to a gaping head wound after being bottled by a robber who stole his watch.

The 20 year-old was standing with two friends next to the park in Oaks Lane, Ilford, at 9pm on Friday night (September 4), when four men jumped out of a two door silver-coloured car and walked towards them.

One of thugs smashed a bottle across the victim's head and stole his 'Channel' designer watch - before getting back into the vehicle and speeding off with the rest of the men.

The injured man was taken to hospital where doctors told him his wound would leave permanent scarring to his face.

His attacker is described as a black man, aged between 19 and 20, about 5ft 11ins tall and wearing a grey hooded tracksuit top and dark coloured jeans.

The three other men - who were black, white and asian - were all aged between 17 and 20.

Anyone with information should contact DC Carli Durgahed on: 8345 2624 or crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.