DETECTIVES have released CCTV footage after a man suffered a fractured skull and bleed on his brain following a vicious early morning attack in Bournemouth town centre.

The 20-year-old victim was approached by a man outside Barclays in Old Christchurch Road and punched to the side of his face at around 3.30am on Sunday December 30.

DC Matthew Manners of Bournemouth CID said: “Following enquiries I am able to release two images of three men that I would like to speak with in relation to this assault.

“I would urge them and anyone who recognises them to contact me, in confidence, urgently.

Around 30 minutes prior to this incident a 21-year-old Dorchester man was allegedly assaulted in the same street. He sustained severe bruising and cuts to his head and face.”

A 23-year-old man of no fixed abode has been arrested and released on bail in relation to the first incident.

Anyone with information should phone 101, quoting incident number 30:62 or 30:74, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.