POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 23-year-old man from Devizes was left needing hospital treatment to facial injuries after being attacked as he left The Exchange night club.

The attack happened as the man left the night club beneath the Corn Exchange in Station Road, Devizes at about 2am on May 5 with his partner and they were approached by the attacker.

A police spokesman said: "After asking the man to leave them alone, the victim was punched and wrestled to the ground receiving several blows to his face and eye area."

PC Chris Miller said: "This was an unprovoked, and particularly vicious, attack on a member of the public. The victim was on the ground, and defenceless, but was still receiving numerous blows to his face and head. He is fortunate that, although his injuries are serious, he will recover.

"This situation could have been so much more serious and could have easily taken a more tragic course. People really need to realise that their actions can lead to life-threatening injuries - just one punch can kill - and I would urge the public to remember that."

The victim received treatment at Swindon's Great Western Hospital and was found to have a fractured eye socket and serious bruising to his face.

Anyone who witnessed the assault, or who has any information about it, is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote crime reference 54190043037.