A man has been attacked

A man has suffered broken ribs, a fractured cheek bone and a broken nose after being attacked by multiple people in Southsea, prompting an appeal for a key witness.

The police have arrested a 20-year-old man from Portsmouth and an 18-year-old man from Birmingham after a man was assaulted in Albert Road on July 18.

Police received reports that a man was attacked some time between 1.15am and 1.30am between the junctions of Leopold Street and St Ronans Road. The victim, a 45-year-old man, was assaulted by a number of people and suffered broken ribs, a broken nose, injuries to his ear, a fractured cheek bone and bruising.

The force has now launched an appeal and want to speak to the woman pictured as she may have witnessed the incident.

Officers are appealing for information and witnesses following an assault in Southsea. They would particularly like to speak to the woman pictured who is thought to have walked by at the time of the incident. | Hants Police

placeholder image — Officers are appealing for information and witnesses following an assault in Southsea. They would particularly like to speak to the woman pictured who is thought to have walked by at the time of the incident. | Hants Police

A spokesperson for the police force said: “We know a woman walked past at the time of the incident and believe she may have witnessed what happened. We have released an image of her, although we appreciate it is not very clear and does not show her face. However, we hope she will recognise herself and come forward. She may hold vital information that could assist our investigation, and we are appealing directly to her to contact us as soon as possible.”

The two men arrested have been released on police bail until October 17.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police online or on 101 quoting 44260343811. For more information about the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, click here.