POLICE have released pictures of three men they would like to speak to after a man suffered a bleed on the brain during an attack in Southampton.

The victim, who is in his 50s, was also left with a fractured skull after being attacked with a glass bottle in Lower Bannister Street.

He was rushed to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries but has since returned home.

Before being assaulted on the evening of March 2, the victim had been watching Southampton play against West Ham.

He later stopped at the Giddy Bridge pub on London Road.

Police investigating the attack, which happened between 10.50pm and 11.20pm, believe the three men involved were also at this pub and that an altercation took place while they were there.

Andover Advertiser: Images of three men have been released by police. Photo from: Hampshire Constabulary. Images of three men have been released by police. Photo from: Hampshire Constabulary.

Rebecca Stevens, from the Western Investigations Department, said: “Prior to this incident, the victim attended the Southampton vs West Ham United football match. He later attended the Giddy Bridge pub on London Road.

“We believe those involved in the incident had also been at this pub and that there was possibly an altercation that took place while they were there.

“If you have any information that can help us identify these three men, please contact us.”

Hampshire Constabulary says it has followed up numerous lines of enquiry since its first appeal, to try and identify those involved.

Police say the men pictured were seen in the area at the time.

One of them is described as white, in his 20s, 6ft tall and of stocky build.

The other two are thought to be white, in their 20s and of slim build.

In a message to the public, a spokesperson for the force added: “Do you recognise the people pictured? Perhaps you were in the Giddy Bridge pub on the evening in question and recall an altercation taking place?

“Maybe you saw someone acting suspiciously in the city centre or carrying a glass bottle around the time of the assault?

“If you have any information that may assist our enquiries please contact 101 quoting reference 44220085815.

“Alternatively, go online and submit information via: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/”