OWEN JONES was kicked in the head in a “blatant premeditated assault” by a gang while celebrating his birthday over the weekend.

The Guardian columnist and political pundit said in a tweet that he and five of his friends were set upon by three or four men as they were leaving a pub at 3am on Saturday.

“[They] made a beeline for me, kicked me in the back, threw me on the ground, slamming my head, and kicked me in the skull. My friends were punched trying to defend me,” he added.

Mr Jones said he believes the attack was motivated by far-right ideology.

He said: “Given the far-right attacks I’ve had in the streets, and generally escalating far-right attacks I’ve had, I’m in no doubt what this is.

“They spotted me in the pub, waited for us to leave, and then launched their attack when we were away from the pub. It was planned, not a random attack.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn sent him a message of solidarity.

He said: “An attack on a journalist is an attack on free speech and our fundamental values.”

Mr Jones replied: “Thanks to Jeremy Corbyn and for all the solidarity from everyone today. But this isn’t about me  – it’s about how mainstream politicians and all too much of the mainstream media are radicalising extremists.

“We have to talk about this, or more people are going to get hurt.”

Guardian editor Katherine Viner also condemned the attack.

She said on Saturday evening: “At the Guardian we deplore the outrageous attack on Owen Jones that took place late last night.

“Violent assaults on journalists or activists have no place in a democratic society.”