A YOUNG man was badly beaten up by a gang and left unconscious outside a Teignmouth nightclub.

Police described it as a 'vicious attack', and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The assault occurred outside Koolz in Northumberland Place at about 2am on Sunday, May 10, when four or five men thought to be aged between 18 and 22, set on the victim.

The 26-year-old local man suffered head and face injuries, and is still recovering at home after medical treatment, and is unable to work.

'It was a vicious attack, and the victim was clearly outnumbered and had no chance of defending himself,' said PC Tanja Britz of Teignmouth police.

'Assaults like this don't happen very often in Teignmouth, and it is still a safe place to enjoy a night out. But drinking to excess makes you more vulnerable to troublemakers, so for their own safety people should be careful of how much they consume."

PC Britz said the public had been very helpful over the incident, and several lines of enquiry were being pursued.

She was particularly interested in speaking to a woman with shoulder length blonde hair who witnessed the beating.

Two of the attackers were wearing horizontally striped shirts, and dark trousers and white trainers.

Anybody with information should call 08452 777444, and quote crime number JG/09/979.