A man is in hospital after being attacked as he walked home from a party in Southampton.

The 56-year-old victim suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung in the incident, which occurred at the junction of Knighton Road and Wodehouse Road in the Sholing area of the city.

He was walking alone when he was struck from behind before being repeatedly kicked and hit.

Police say he suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Detective Constable Claire Ratcliffe of Southampton CID said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any information which may assist our investigation.

“Two men were seen in the area at the time of the assault and we are keen to trace them as they may be able to assist.

“They are both described as being of mixed race and in their early 20s. The first man was around 6ft tall and of stocky build with short curly hair and a small moustache. He was wearing a hooded top with the hood up and tracksuit bottoms which were possibly grey or light green.

“The second man was approximately 5ft 11in and of a small build. He was wearing a dark coloured hooded top with the hood pulled up around his face.”

The attacked took place shortly after 1am last Sunday and police have just released details in the hope that potential witnesses will come forward.

Call Det Con Ratcliffe on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.