A MAN is in hospital with a serious head injury after being assaulted in a late-night incident.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident which happened at about 1am in Quay Street, Newport, on the Isle of Wight.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to a taxi driver who told security staff at a nearby pub what had happened.

The 38-year-old victim and his girlfriend were walking down the street past Watchbell Lane when it is believed the man got into an argument with three men before being assaulted.

He was taken to hospital and is being treated for a serious head injury.

The three men were all white and one was wearing black clothing while one was in his early 20s, about five feet eight inches tall, thin, and wearing a dark round-neck jumper.

The third was about five feet six inches tall and was wearing a flat cap.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting reference number 44150113757 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.