A man has been scarred for life after a horrific unprovoked attack by a gang armed with a hammer and a Stanley knife.

The 40-year-old had been out for a night in Bradford with his 33-year-old friend, both from Halifax, when the attack took place outside Fast Eddies Pizza Shop, Little Horton Lane.

A gang of four youths, one with a hammer and one with a knife, assaulted both men. The younger victim was kicked and punched but his friend was attacked with both weapons.

His right ear was severed, and his forehead has had to be rebuilt with a titanium mesh after it was smashed with the hammer. He was also slashed across his face, had his nose and mouth cut and eye muscles torn in the attack at 10pm on Wednesday, September 20.

All the attackers were described as Asian males aged between 18-20. The youth with the hammer was 5ft 10in and stocky, wearing a black baseball cap and tracksuit. Another, possibly carrying the knife, was slim with beige 'Asian-style' trousers.

Det Insp Chris Binns said: "The victims had their last drink of the night at the Venue pub on Little Horton Lane below St Luke's Hospital before setting off for the takeaway.

"The attack took place on a busy road leading out of the city centre. We would appeal for anyone who knows or saw anything to come forward."

They should contact Bradford Central CID on (01274) 376485 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.