“IT COULD have been fatal.”

Brad Lemesurier was out with friends in Southampton on a rare weekend off work when he suffered one punch to the head.

Knocked unconscious, the 22-year-old from Netley still does not remember what happened next; only that he was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull, where doctors found a blood clot on his brain.

A self-employed carpenter, Brad was out with his friends in Bedford Place at the Buddha Lounge on Saturday night.

Police have launched an investigation after Brad was left needing urgent paramedic attention, with doctors telling his 21-year-old girlfriend Eleanor Ashley that they had found a clot.

Eleanor, an office co-ordinator, admitted it could have been fatal, and is determined to find those responsible for leaving Brad unconscious in the club.

Eleanor said: “I can’t believe it.

“The doctors seemed fairly confident that he would be okay, but what if it was worse?

“They’re hoping the clot will disperse on its own.

“But whoever did this needs to see what they have done and I want to find those responsible.

“These kinds of attacks seem to be happening far too often.

“Brad isn’t like most 22-year-olds, he’s hard working and doesn’t go out that often.”

South Central Ambulance Service confirmed that after treating Brad at the club, he was then taken to hospital in Southampton.

A statement from the ambulance service said: “We were called at 12.08am on Sunday, September 17 with the caller reporting that a male had been assaulted in the Buddha Lounge and sustained a head injury.

“We sent an ambulance to the scene and after initial treatment at the venue, he was then taken to University Hospital Southampton.”

Police have also confirmed that they are investigating the assault that took place between 11.15pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday.

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We are investigating reports of an assault.

“A 22-year-old man reported that he had been punched in the face inside Buddha Lounge in Southampton.

“Enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting the crime reference number 44170359818.”

Buddha Lounge was approached for comment, but has not yet responded.