A MAN suffered two spinal fractures and a serious facial injury in an 'unprovoked attack' during a night out - with police keen to identify the suspects from CCTV footage.

A serious assault occurred in an alleyway near to the Red Lion pub on the High Street in Gillingham between 11.30pm on Friday, October 8and 12.30am on Saturday, October 9.

Dorset Police say that around 10 men and women were allegedly involved in the assault on two men. The suspects are described as being aged between 18 and 21 years old.

One of the victims – a man aged in his 30s and from Bristol – sustained two spinal fractures and a serious injury to his face. His friend, also from Bristol, sustained minor injuries.

Detectives investigating the serious assault are issuing CCTV images of the suspects as part of their investigations into the serious assault.

Detective Constable Claire Lloyd, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was an unprovoked attack on two men who were simply enjoying an evening out in Gillingham.

"This attack seems to have come without any provocation resulting in both victims receiving various injuries, but most concerning was one victim received two breaks to the spine and a serious cut to the forehead.

“I am releasing CCTV images of the suspects and I would urge anyone who knows their identity to please contact Dorset Police. While I appreciate the images are not overly clear, it may be that someone can identify them from the clothing they are wearing.

“As part of my enquiries I have established that two men walked past the incident and I would ask these individuals to please make contact with me as you might have important information that could assist my investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk/do-it-online/ or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210164199.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.