A GANG fractured one man’s skull and beat up two others in a violent rampage outside a nightclub in the early hours of the morning.

The group of about 10 men, described as black and Asian-looking, are being sought in connection with three attacks on victims in the Regents Circus and Victoria Road areas at around 4.30am on Sunday.

The first assault saw a 40-year-old man, from Barnsley, in Yorkshire, beaten to the ground and kicked outside the Pink Rooms . He suffered a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain and was rushed to Great Western Hospital, where he remains.

The two other victims, aged 25 and 34, were picked on as they walked home from nights out and both needed to be taken to GWH.

Three local men, all aged 25, have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries. Dtectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Acting Detective Sergeant Becky Smart, who is leading the investigation, said there were people around at that time of the morning using takeaways and leaving nearby nightclubs.

She said: “This was a nasty series of attacks that we believe may be linked at this stage.

“The first was a vicious and prolonged attack on a 40-year-old man who was unfamiliar with the town centre.The brutal assault left him with serious injuries and he is still recovering in hospital. It was only due to fast thinking by door staff and some Good Samaritans who gave first aid that this man was not in a more serious condition.”

She added: “The other two were further along Victoria Hill and resulted both being punched and one losing a tooth.

“At the time of the offence there would have been a number of people in the vicinity who would have seen and been outraged by this attack and I would urge anyone with information to come forward.”

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw a black Mercedes S500 and an Audi Q7 in the area. Witnesses can call ADS Smart on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.