A Preston labourer suffered horrific injuries when he was attacked after a night out in the city centre.

Danny Hughes, 23, of Sylvancroft, Ingol, was viciously assaulted as he left Squires night club, Market Street, at about 3.30am on Saturday.

During the attack his ear was partially bitten off and an attempt was made to gouge out his eyes.

Last night police were examining CCTV footage from the street and the night club to establish the identities of his attackers.

Mr Hughes spent Friday night with friends in Preston city centre.

"We went around a few pubs and then to Squires," he said.

"We had a good night in there, and when I came out I got jumped." He said when he left the club a man called over to him, using his surname, saying he wanted a chat.

"The next thing he was trying to take me down an alley, and the next minute he started fighting."

Police said five or six people then joined in the assault, in Lowthian Street, and 20 people gathered to watch.

"They were stamping on me and everything, I felt they were going to kill me."

Mr Hughes paid tribute to the bouncers at Squires who, he said, had helped stop the beating which left him battered, bruised and needing stitches to his ear.

DS Gareth Willis, of Preston CID, said the attack, which he described as vicious and gruesome, had been unprovoked.

"We have got excellent footage from inside the night club so I am confident we are going to catch those responsible," he added.

He appealed for witnesses to contact the police and urged those who had taken part to come forward before the police came looking for them.

The attacker was described as being a white man, 5ft 6ins tall, of large stocky build, about 30 years old and wearing black clothing.

Anyone with information should call 01772 203203.