A MAN was knocked unconscious and received horrific injuries in a brutal attack by a gang in a row over a spilt drink.

The Westcliff man, aged 24, suffered two fractured eye sockets, two fractured fingers and a broken nose as a result of the fight outside Chameleon nightclub, in Lucy Road, Southend.

He must undergo surgery to have his eye sockets fixed, and doctors also need to set his fingers back into place.

The brawl is believed to have been sparked after the victim accidentally knocked into a man while trying to get to the busy bar.

There was a scuffle and the victim and suspects were ejected together.

The victim was then attacked by the men and punched him to the ground until he was unconscious.

It is believed his fingers were broken as he tried to protect himself from the blows raining down.

He was taken to Southend Hospital with concussion and facial injuries and stayed there until Sunday afternoon.

The victim’s friend said his face was unrecognisable, with his eyes almost closed and she feared he could have been killed.

She said: “I saw him afterwards and his right eye was gaping. His nose is blue and massive with blood all over it. He has dry blood all over his face, his eyes are very little and so bruised. They could have killed him. It’s disgusting.

Some people need to be taken out of society.

“I find it hard to believe no one would have seen it. These three guys seem like complete idiots to be able to do that to one person by himself. I could never do that to anyone. It makes me cringe, I feel sick.”

Police are hunting three white men in their late teens or early twenties.

Chief Insp Simon Anslow, district commander for Southend, said: “The victim was assaulted by a number of individuals who have yet to be identified.

“The investigation is being led by Southend CID and it has been recorded as an offence of grievous bodily harm. Dealing with violence as part of our night-time economy is one of the top priorities, not only for the police, but also for our partners.

“Having recently been reawarded the purple flag in recognition of safety in the town, it’s always disappointing to have an incident of serious violence.

“Alcohol appears to have played a part in this offence. We would urge people to stay in control of their drinking on a night out because the consequences to people’s lives are devastating, whether the victim or perpetrator.”

Anyone with information about the attack, which took place at about 3.10am on Sunday, can call Southend CID on 101.