POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a fight between two groups of men in Bournemouth town centre.

The incident, in which four men were attacked, happened at around 1am on Sunday, September 8 near the Bournemouth International Centre on Exeter Road.

The friends, who are not local to the area, were returning after a night out when they came across a group of at least six men. An argument occurred and three of the friends were seriously assaulted, sustaining facial, neck and leg injuries.

DC James Lees, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “This was an extremely nasty attack and I am keen to establish exactly what happened.

“Although it was late at night I am confident there would have been other people in the area at the time that may have witnessed the incident.

“Anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police in confidence urgently.”

One of the offenders had an Irish accent.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 08:30, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.