POLICE are on the hunt for two men after a man was hospitalised after an "unprovoked attack" in Southampton.

Sometime between 10.55pm and 11.45pm on Thursday July 9, a man in his 50's was assaulted by two men he did not know while sitting on a bench outside West Quay Shopping Centre on Portland Terrace.

Officers say this was an "unprovoked attack" which left the victim with sustained face and head injuries that required hospital treatment.

Despite the man being discharged from hospital, officers have now released CCTV images of five men who they want to speak to in connection with the incident, as they may have information or could have witnessed "something relevant to the investigation".

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "Do you know the five men pictured in these CCTV images? We want to speak with them as part of an investigation into an assault in Southampton.

"It was reported that some time between 10.55pm and 11.45pm on Thursday 9 July, a man in his 50s was sitting on a bench outside West Quay Shopping Centre on Portland Terrace when he was assaulted by two men he did not know.

"This was an unprovoked attack, and the victim sustained face and head injuries that required hospital treatment. He has since been discharged from hospital.

"We would like to speak to all five men pictured as they may have information, or have witnessed something relevant to our investigation."

Anyone with information is encouraged to call police on 101, quoting 44200253853.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.