BY IAN ROSS

DETECTIVE Paul Broadhurst is appealing for witnesses to a vicious, unprovoked attack on a young man.

The 26-year-old was due to undergo surgery on Friday to rebuild a cheekbone and eye socket shattered by a hail of punches.

The victim, from Congleton who has not been named, was set on by a group of yobs involved in a street brawl.

He was on his way home in his car after celebrating New Year's Eve with his girlfriend and friends.

Their path along Station Road was blocked by men in their early 20s brawling in the road.

In the chaos the car's wing mirror was broken, and the young man was attacked when he got out to assess the damage.

"He received several blows to the face, and suffered fractures to the cheekbone and orbital bone around the eye," said DC Broadhurst.

"He was taken to Leighton Hospital, and was due to undergo surgery on Friday at the Countess of Chester Hospital, which specialises in facial injuries.

"This was an unprovoked assault, and the injuries to the young man were serious."

The assault took place between the Alsager Arms Hotel and Alsager Railway Station at 1.20am on New Year's Day.

Witnesses can ring DC Broadhurst on 01244-613535 or the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.