A MAN who was viciously assaulted in an unprovoked attack has described his injuries as "something out of a horror movie".

Nicholas Pengelly, 26, from Bournemouth, was punched and hit in the face during the assault leaving him with a split nose running from his eye to his nostril. He is now scarred for life and was lucky not to be blinded.

The incident happened in Albert Road, Bournemouth, just after midnight on Saturday August 21.

Speaking to the Daily Echo Mr Pengelly, a painter and decorator, said he was walking along Albert Road towards Bar Med with a friend when he was approached by a group of three or four teenagers.

He was punched and fell over a fence onto a building site. He was then struck on the back of the head with an implement and as he stood up he was hit again in the face.

"I think I was hit with a piece of wood with a nail in it. It was completely unprovoked, I didn't do anything to deserve this."

Mr Pengelly needed 50 stitches to the injury on his face and 15 on the back of his head.

"When I saw my injuries I was shocked. It was like something out of a horror movie, you don't normally see your face hanging off."

He made a heartfelt plea for anyone with information.

"If you saw them or if you have got a description then please come forward."

Mr Pengelly added: "I am still suffering, I am getting quite a lot of bad headaches and breaking out in sweats. I am scarred for life."

Detective Sergeant Ross Brown of Bournemouth CID said: "This was a very nasty assault for no apparent reason that has left Nicholas with appalling injuries.

"If you were involved, or you were a witness or have any other information that might help me identify those responsible for this nasty, unnecessary attack, please pick up the phone and call."

The attackers have been described as white men, aged 18 to 19. Two or three of them were wearing Burberry baseball caps, tracksuit trousers tucked into their socks and training shoes.

First published: August 26