Swindon Police are appealing for information following an assault.

At approximately 2am on Sunday a 25-year-old man was approached by a group of about eight to 10 men in Hoopers Place, Old Town, outside the Studio Nightclub, while he was waiting for a taxi.

One man from the group, for no apparent reason, punched the victim in the face, knocking him to the ground where he was further kicked and punched, surrounded by the rest of group who also joined in the assault.

The taxi arrived and the victim was able to get in with the help of two friends.

The victim suffered a head injury, severe facial swelling and bruising. He was treated at the Great Western Hospital and was due to return yesterday for further tests.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "There were a lot of people in the vicinity and someone must have seen something. Please do the right thing and assist police to establish the circumstances surrounding the gratuitous assault and to identify those responsible."

The main offender is described as a white man, 6ft 2in tall, with a slim build, short brown spiky hair, and aged in his late teens to early 20s. He was wearing glasses.

Witnesses are asked to contact Swindon CID on 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.