A man underwent surgery to repair a broken jaw and fractured cheekbone after he was attacked outside a nightclub.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance outside Life, High Street, Sittingbourne.

It’s understood the 25-year-old was outside the venue with a male friend when he noticed a girl he knew being spoken to by a group of men.

Believing she was being harassed, he asked them to leave her alone. He was then punched in the face and repeatedly assaulted while on the floor.

Due to the extent of his injuries, he was taken by land ambulance to hospital for treatment. His friend was also reported to have been assaulted and suffered a minor facial injury.

The incident happened at about 3am on February 23 but details have only just been released. Kent police is now appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward.

Investigating officer, DS Cara Ferguson, said: “There were undoubtedly people coming out of the club at about the time of this report or perhaps walking past on their way home from a night out.

“I would urge anyone who might have seen what happened in the early hours of that morning, or who might have some important information, to come forward and help us with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information, should call DS Ferguson on 01634 792584 quoting reference XY/6610/14. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.