POLICE have released an image of two men they believe witnessed a violent assault in Leigh.

A 31-year-old man was attacked in Leigh in the early hours of August 31, but police have only just released the image.

The man was on King Street, near the junction with Bradshawgate, when he was approached by the attacker and punched in the face, knocking him unconscious.

He was taken to hospital for facial injuries.

The attacker was white, 6ft, with brown hair, short on top and longer at the back and he was wearing a grey top and blue jeans.

Detectives have released a CCTV image of two men believed to have been out with the attacker that night and are appealing for the public's help to identify them.

Det Con Kevin Byrne said: "At this stage it appears this was an unprovoked assault that caused the victim some nasty injuries.

"We have made numerous enquiries to try and identify the offender but at this time he remains unknown.

"We have reviewed many hours of CCTV and are now trying to identify the two men in the image that we have released as we believe they were out with person responsible and can help us identify him.

"If you recognise yourself in this image or you know who either person is please call us."

The victim has since recovered from his injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 8567225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.