A 21-year-old man was left with head injuries after a serious assault in Southampton.

The man was walking with a friend along Bitterne Road when the pair were approached by two men.

Hampshire Constabulary are now investigating after the two men assaulted the 21-year-old before running off.

According to officers investigating the incident the two groups had a heated verbal dispute in public before the attack between 10am and 12noon on Friday, May 27.

Police now believe that the two men then attacked the man near Pizza Hut before leaving him with injuries to his face and head.

The two men ran off in the direction of Bitterne Leisure Centre and police are appealing for witnesses.

The first man is described as white, early twenties, 6ft, slim build, short shaved hair and wearing a white t-shirt and grey tracksuit bottoms.

The second man was white, early twenties, 5ft 5, slim build, short shaved hair and wearing a dark blue Nike jacket and grey tracksuit bottoms.

PC Craig Shears from Bitterne Police Station said: “This assault has occurred on a Friday morning in a busy shopping precinct in Southampton. We believe a public, verbal dispute occurred prior to the assault which we believe passers-by would have witnessed.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in Bitterne precinct on Friday morning who saw this assault or witnessed the argument to contact us in confidence on 101 quoting 44160197976.”

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and leave information anonymously.