Police have launched an investigation after a young man was found unconscious in the street following a vicious attack in the early hours.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward following the assault in Weymouth town centre.

Meanwhile, the victim has said he wants his attacker brought to justice.

Dorset Police said at 1.37am on Saturday, August 10, officers were called to Maiden Street by the ambulance service after a man was found unconscious in the road following an assault.

The victim, a local 18-year-old man, was taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for treatment following initial treatment by paramedics.

He sustained a broken nose, a cut to his chin that required stitches and lost four teeth in the assault.

A search of the area was carried out but no suspect was located.

Police Constable Carl Wood, of Weymouth police, said: “We have already made a number of enquiries to identify the person or people involved in this incident, including CCTV searches, but these have not proved successful.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information as to who was involved to please contact Dorset Police.”

Posting on social media, the victim said: “Please if you or anyone knows anything get in touch."

He said he wanted to see the attacker brought to justice.

He told the Echo: “I’m slowly recovering, I’ve lost four teeth, so I’m on a soft diet. I’m drinking through a straw and the pain is outrageous, so I’ve been losing sleep.”

Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Graham Winter, is backing the appeal by the police.

He said: “My initial reaction is that it is very sad when something like this happens in our town.

“I know sometimes the evenings can be rowdy, but it is rare that something like this happens.

“Generally, Weymouth is a safe place to live.

“If anyone knows anything, please come forward.

“I will be backing the police appeal.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190124496.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org