Police today released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack at Spices restaurant, in Soho Road, on December 5.

The 25-year-old victim was with a friend when a man approached them in the street and asked for a cigarette. The men obliged, but the beggar quickly returned and asked for cash. When he was refused, he continued to harass the two friends as they entered the restaurant just before 7pm.

CCTV of the suspect

Investigating officer Detective Constable Sharon Duncan, from the force's Criminal Investigation Department, said: "The beggar approached the two men on five or six occasions and, even though they offered to buy him food, he kept asking for cash.

"Finally he struck one of the men in his left eye with an unknown object.

"The young man was rushed to hospital, where he had to undergo surgery. His eye was saved, but unfortunately he has lost the sight in it. This is a devastating loss to a young man, who just appeared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

DC Duncan is appealing for anyone who witnessed the attack or who recognises the man in the CCTV image to contact her on 101.

The man is described as mixed race, 5ft 6ins tall. He was wearing a light grey hooded top with white writing on it. Anyone who does not want to speak directly to police officers can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.