A man was airlifted to Southampton hospital after a brutal attack in Hampshire last night.

The 20-year-old victim was assaulted shortly before 7.40pm by men who pulled up in a car.

He suffered severe head injuries and was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital.

His condition last night was described as serious but stable.

The injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to the attack which happened on Westminster Place, Buckland, in Portsmouth.

Officers say the attackers drove off in a dark coloured Renault Scenic, possibly an RX4 off-road model.

Detective Sergeant Tony Lewis from Portsmouth CID said: “This is a very serious assault which has left a man in hospital this evening with serious head injuries.

“Our enquiries at the moment are focused on locating the offenders and the vehicle they drove off in.

“We’ve already had a few people come forward this evening with information and I’d still like to hear from anyone else who witnessed what happened or may have seen a vehicle matching that description in the Buckland area or anywhere else around Portsmouth.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Lewis at Fratton police station on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.