A MAN has been knocked unconscious during a "vicious and unprovoked" attack that unfolded just yards from where Asperger's sufferer Andrew Young was killed by a single punch in 2013.

Detectives have launched an investigation after the 34-year-old victim, who was walking along Charminster Road with a friend, was assaulted in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The victim from Bournemouth, was punched without warning, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

Before being knocked unconscious during the 2.12am attack he'd been approached by three unknown men. One of these men punched the victim.

He was taken to Poole Hospital, where emergency medics treated him for swelling to the front of his brain, a fractured eye socket and cheekbone, a suspected broken nose and cuts to the back of his head.

Detective Constable Tom Alsford, of Bournemouth CID, said: "This was a vicious and unprovoked attack which has left the victim in hospital with very serious injuries."

Police say his condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

The assault took place outside the Bournemouth Bedding Centre on Charminster Road, close to where Mr Young was attacked in November 2013.

The 40-year-old died after being hit by a single punch thrown by Lewis Gill in a row over cycling on the pavement.

Gill's subsequent manslaughter sentence of just four years provoked a national outcry. However, it was later upheld by the Court of Appeal.

On the latest Charminster Road attack, Det Cons Alsford said: "An investigation is underway to find the people responsible for this violent assault and I would urge anyone who saw the incident or has any information about who was responsible to please call Dorset Police.

"All calls will be treated in the strict confidence."

After the attack the trio, who were heading towards the Richmond Arms pub, left the scene. No arrests had been made as the Echo went to press.

Witnesses call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 20:63