A 45-year-old man left the Village Inn and started walking along Rockingham Road, away from the Old Village, at about 3.30am on Sunday.

As he did so two men began to shout abuse at him and shortly afterwards, at the junction of Rockingham Road and Kelvin Grove, the man was punched and kicked to the head.

His head was also stamped on.

He suffered a fractured eye socket, fractured rib and various other bruises.

A passing motorist found the beaten man, who was then treated in hospital.

PC Gavin Blyth said: "This was a nasty attack which left the victim in need of hospital treatment.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything about this incident, which could easily have been a lot more serious, to contact us as soon as possible."

The attackers were both white men.

One was aged between 23 and 28, with receding hair, about 5ft 10in and of stocky build. He wore glasses and a white dress shirt.

The second man was in his early 20s, about 5ft 10in, and wore a baseball cap and dark clothing.

Witnesses to this incident, or anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700, or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.