A YOUNG mother has told how she was beaten unconscious during an evening out at one of Southampton's biggest night clubs.

Emma Makay was dragged to the ground by a gang of yobs and repeatedly kicked in the head in an unprovoked assault at Diva in Leisure World.

And the 23-year-old, who works at British Gas in St Mary's Road, said not enough was done by club security staff to identify the attackers.

She said: "I was pulled down by my hair and thrown on the floor. The next thing I knew I was being kicked in the head.

"I am completely shocked that I was left unconscious on the floor for five minutes being attacked before the door staff intervened.

"I have a young son and cannot imagine what would have happened if they'd hurt me more seriously. Only one witness has come forward as the door staff told the other witnesses to go away."

The attack, in the early hours of Sunday morning, was so severe that revellers stopped and raised the alarm prompting club staff to switch on the lights and turn off the music.

Emma, who lives with her three-year-old son in Winchester, was left hospitalised with bruises and cuts on her back, stomach and chest.

She added: "Although my injuries are mainly on the surface, I cannot stop thinking it could have been worse. I don't know why I was attacked - perhaps it was mistaken identity.'' A spokesman for club owners Luminar said: "Ikon Diva does not tolerate violent or antisocial behaviour of any form and is a venue which prides itself on its safe and friendly environment. We treat incidents which affect our customers and staff extremely seriously.

"The aggressor of the assault was detained by security and arrested by police on their arrival.

"The victim was taken to the club's medical room by a qualified first-aider and subsequently taken to hospital."

Police say a woman from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of assault. They are appealing for witnesses to come forward.