A WIRRAL man suffered a fractured eye socket and broken jaw after he was set upon by thugs as he drank with friends in Birkenhead.

The 21-year-old had been with friends at the Cool Room, Conway Street when he was assaulted by at least three men between 1.30am and 2.30am on Saturday, April 5.

The victim is believed to have been in the smoking area when there was a disturbance.

He was punched to the ground by one man, then two more joined in and all three kicked and stamped on him.

Two of the victim's friends tried to help him but they too were knocked to the ground then kicked and stamped on.

All of the attackers are believed to have returned inside the club, while the three men who were assaulted went home and attended Arrowe Park Hospital.

The 21-year-old victim suffered a fractured eye socket, a broken jaw and cuts to his face.

He has now been discharged from hospital.

Another man, aged 22, subsequently attended Walton Hospital to receive treatment for a broken jaw and a fractured chin and the third victim, also 22-years-old, received treatment for cuts to his eye and lip and damage to some teeth.

Detective Inspector Paul Parry, from Wirral CID, said: "This was a vicious and seemingly unprovoked assault which left three men in hospital.

"They had gone to enjoy a night out but ended up being punched, then stamped on as they lay defenceless on the floor.

"Lots of people witnessed the disturbance and I'm convinced that someone who was there at the time it happened will know the people who are responsible.”

Anyone with information should call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.