A SOUTHAMPTON man had his throat slashed in a vicious attack outside a pub.

The 25-year-old man needed an emergency operation to repair an artery that had been severed after a glass was pushed into his throat.

According to his statement to police the man described how he and a friend were pushing their pedal cycles past the Bitterne pub on Thornhill Park Road when they saw two men, one white and the other of mixed race, arguing with a third man.

When the 25-year-old tried to intervene the pair turned on him and chased him and his friend down the street.

A bottle of beer and a glass were smashed over the man's head and neck causing the horrific injury while his friend who is also 25, was punched around the head.

Both the men's pedal cycles were also stolen during the attack that has been described as "vicious" by police.

The men then took refuge in a nearby Chinese takeaway while the emergency services were called after the attack that happened about 10.30pm on Friday. Det Sgt Robert Bowness said: "This was an extremely vicious and violent assault and one that left a man with serious injuries that required an emergency operation.

The man is now recuperating at home."

The 25-year-old told police how while the tried to stem the blood pouring from his neck a man approached him to offer his help.

Detectives are now appealing for that person or anyone who witnessed the attack to come forward. Det Sgt Bowness said: "Anyone who saw the two men initially arguing with a third man or who saw the actual attack itself should contact Bitterne CID as soon as possible."

One of the bikes has since been recovered but detectives are still trying to find the second one that is described as a Team Sarican Vex model black bike with red writing on it Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Cons Gurjeet Kalirai at Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.