A BOTTLE was smashed over the head of a 25-year-old man as mob violence erupted outside a West End takeaway.

Police are hunting the gang, aged between 16 and 20, who were involved in the attack, which also involved the use of cans and a whip.

The drama happened last Friday night outside Sizzlers takeaway in the High Street, while the 25-year-old was waiting for his friend and his girlfriend who went inside for some food.

He was approached by a white youth who was with a group of about three other youths.

The youth hit the man over the head with a bottle.

The three other youths then also assaulted the man, kicking and punching him.

Another group of youths ran from behind the shop. There could have been up to 15, including two on pushbikes.

The victim's friend came to his rescue but was also assaulted. He managed to drag his injured pal, who needed hospital treatment for wounds to the head, inside the takeaway. The gang than ran off.

Police, who have appealed for witnesses, have issued descriptions.

The youth who hit the man over the head is white, 17 to 18 years old, and 5ft 8in to 5 ft 9in. He was wearing a dark Nike baseball cap which had white narrow piping from the front to the back with dark brown hair showing through at the sides and back.

He was clean-shaven and was wearing shell suit-type dark blue tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt-type dark blue top.

He had a local accent and was of slim build.

The three other youths were also about 17 to 18 years old, all wearing Nike dark blue baseball caps.

They were wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirts. They were all of slim build and were clean-shaven.

The attack happened at about 10.30 pm and a police spokesman said: "There may have been witnesses in vehicles at this busy time as Sizzlers is on the main High Street."

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or 08450 454 545.