A MAN needed a plate inserted into his jaw after he was attacked on his way home from the pub.

The 35-year-old victim from Southend suffered a broken jaw when he was punched from behind on Southchurch Road after a night out with friends at the White Horse in Southchurch Boulevard.

It followed a brawl earlier as a group of men left the pub.

In the early hours of Saturday, May 24, the victim was walking home with his friend towards Southend when he was attacked by men also involved in the disturbance.

Police believe they are known regulars at the pub.

They are described as white, and aged in their mid 20s and all slim build.

One was about 5ft 7ins tall with dark short hair, wearing blue jeans and a jumper which has three buttons and a logo on the left breast. Another was also slim build, with light short hair, wearing an Addidas zip up top. The third was slim with dark cropped hair, wearing a jumper and jeans.

These three men had also had a disagreement with another man prior to the assault.

Anyone with information or who knows who the men are should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.