POLICE have launched a search for a gang after two men were seriously injured in what is thought to have been an 'unprovoked attack'.

A 32-year-old was left with "puncture" wounds according to police, while a 29-year-old suffered a head injury after being hit with an object.

The pair, both from Fareham, had been walking at the back of Titchfield Recreation Ground when they were approached by a group of people and assaulted.

Officers were called at around 3.25am on Sunday after the victims made it to The Bugle Hotel to seek help. They were rushed to the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Gary Cable said: “We are still in the early stages of our investigation and are working to establish exactly what has happened. This appears to be an unprovoked attack which happened as they were walking back from a local festival via the back of Titchfield Recreation Ground.

“The two men have been approached by a group of people, described as youths, who have then assaulted them. The victims have then made their way to The Bugle Hotel where they received help and emergency services were called.

“People will notice a lot of police activity in the area today while we carry out our investigations. We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area last night or anyone who thinks they may have information that could assist our inquiry."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101, quoting reference number 44180276417.