A police investigation has been launched after a passenger was knocked unconscious in an attack on a bus.

The attack happened on a bus in Ventnor,  on the Isle of Wight, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Police say that at about 1.30am a 57-year-old man got on the number three bus at Spring Hill.

He was then hit on the head and was knocked unconscious.

He was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, where he was treated for a bleed to the brain.

The suspect then left the bus via the rear emergency exit.

He is believed to have got on the bus, which was busy with partygoers, near Boots, on the High Street.

 A police spokesperson said: "We’d particularly like to speak to two possible witnesses who were seen to be carrying guitar cases.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44170000128