POLICE have appealed for witnesses to what they have described as a "disgusting and unprovoked attack" in a city nightclub.

Chris Pitts, 26, was enjoying a night out with a group of friends at Timepiece in Little Castle Street when he was punched three times in the side of the face from behind.

He left the club shortly after and it was only after attending the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the following day he discovered the extent of his injuries.

He was told to come back for an operation as he had suffered a broken cheekbone and fractured eye socket and has now had to have two metal plates put in.

Mr Pitts has been signed off work as a motor vehicle technician for two weeks and has been recovering at his home in St Thomas. Officers said they need the public's help to catch the offender.

He said: "I was just stood on the dance floor minding my own business when I felt a punch to the right side of my head around the eye and cheek area.

"There was another two punches and I got out of the situation as quickly as I could. I thought I would get a black eye so left the club shortly after. I went to bed but woke up in pain and my face was all swollen.

"I went to hospital and they give me scans and told me I needed an operation which I stayed overnight in hospital for. The pain is not too bad now.

"I have damaged a nerve and cannot feel anything on that side of my face, but hopefully that will go back to normal soon.

"I have not been out in town since it happened and I guess I will be a little but more anxious next time I do. But I don't want to be portrayed as a victim.

"There is nothing I can do about it and just need to get on with things. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time but I am not going to let it ruin me."

PC Kerry Murch who is investigating the incident, which happened between 12.30am and 1am on Sunday July 4, said: "He had not fallen out with anyone during the evening and was hit from behind in a totally unprovoked attack.

"We are keen to speak to anyone in the bar who was either involved or think they saw it. We are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the club and as far as we are concerned this was a disgusting attack on a young lad that has resulted in very serious head injuries.

"Potentially it could have been a lot worse and we are obviously very eager to catch whoever was responsible.

"This was a nasty incident but it is not a common one in Exeter and as long as people drink responsibly they should not be afraid to go out and enjoy the city's pubs and clubs."

Anyone with information should contact PC Murch on 08452777444 and quote crime reference number DE/10/7175.