Image is released of Lichfield attack suspects

Police in Staffordshire are hunting four men in connection with an attack which left the victim with a fractured cheekbone.

A 22-year-old man was set upon in Lichfield city centre in the early hours. He had been out with friends and had been in an argument with a group of men in Market Street and The Friary.

The group followed him as he went to go and get a taxi before attacking him. The victim was treated at the Royal Derby Hospital.

Officers today released a CCTV image of men they want to speak to, captured in the nearby Subway sandwich shop before the attack at 4am on March 11.

Dc Graham Tomlinson, who is investigating the assault, urged anyone who had witnessed the attack or believes they may know the men in the image to get in touch.

"This was a violent town centre assault which followed a verbal altercation between the victim and the group of men," he said.

"We want people to be safe and to feel safe when they are out enjoying themselves and we remain committed to tackling the things that matter most to the communities we serve.

"We would therefore appeal for anyone with information on the assault to contact us."

He added: "Staffordshire Police is committed to tackling all instances of town centre violence through our ongoing campaign, Operation Safer Nights.

Anyone with information about the Lichfield attack is asked to call Dc Tomlinson on non-emergency 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.