A MAN was left with a broken nose after being viciously attacked by two thugs after a night out.

Now, police are hoping a group of young men could hold vital clues into helping police trace the attackers.

The 34-year-old victim and his friend were walking in Rufus Gardens, Totton, at 11.50pm on Saturday when two men approached them and asked them about drugs.

The revellers - on their way back from the Farmhouse pub in Ringwood Road - ignored them and carried on walking.

But one of the men approached the victim from behind, beating him to the ground before violently kicking him in the face.

The injured man was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was treated for a suspected broken nose.

PC David Barnes said: “I am appealing for witnesses to this unprovoked attack, to come forward and speak to us. The victim saw three men aged in their late teens to early 20s just before the offenders fled the scene. These men may have witnessed what happened and could have vital information. I would urge them to come forward and tell us what they saw, to help is find those responsible.”

One of his attackers is white, 5ft 10ins, of slim build, with short mousy brown hair.

He wore dark blue Addidas clothing and speaks with a local accent.

His accomplice is in his 20s and wore dark coloured clothing.

Witnesses should contact PC Barnes on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.