Police are hunting a gang of thugs after a young man suffered shocking facial injuries in an unprovoked attack on a night out in central London.

The victim, 22-year-old Callum Wade, suffered several facial fractures and permanent damage to his retina in the horrific assault near Fabric nightclub in Islington, police said.

Mr Wade, who is not from the capital, was with two friends when he was punched and kicked to the ground by a group of four men in Charterhouse Street at about 3am on Saturday, April 1.

The victim sought help from staff at the nearby Fabric club. They provided first aid and called him a cab with took him to hospital for treatment.

Detectives have released CCTV footage of three of the four men believed to have been involved in the attack on Mr Wade, who is from the Maidenhead area.

The CCTV images show the three suspects in Charterhouse Street shortly before the incident, officers said.

One of Mr Wade’s friends, a man in his 20s, was also assaulted, but was not seriously injured.

No arrests have been made.

Detective Constable Mark Pinder of the Central North Command Unit, who is leading the investigation, said the victim’s injuries will affect him for the rest of his life.

He said in statement: “This was a violent assault which appears to have been launched with no provocation and has left Callum with injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life.

“The level of violence used was shocking and those who carried it out need to be traced before they commit a similar offence.

“I am appealing to anyone who recognises these men to contact police and help bring these violent thugs to justice."

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Pinder at the Central North Command Unit on 0208 345 0119 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.