DETECTIVES are hunting thugs who launched a vicious attack on a man outside a Southampton convenience store.

The 29-year-old victim was assaulted outside the Nisa shop in Palmeston Road at 1.30pm yesterday.

He is being treated for serious but not life threatening injuries.

Police are appealing for witnesses and believe passers by may hold vital clues into his attackers' identity.

Detective sergeant Lisa-Jayne Cronin from Southampton CID said: “This assault occurred in the middle of the day in a busy area of the city centre.

“We believe a number of people were involved in the incident. It is very likely that people would have been in the area at that time and may have witnessed something that could assist with our investigation.

“I'd like to reassure the community that we are not treating this as a random incident and believe that those involved are known to one another.”

A 28-year-old and 32-year-old man from Southampton and a 22-year-old man from London have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and are being quizzed by police.

Anyone who witnessed the attack should contact DS Cronin on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.