YOUTHS who punched a man to the ground and kicked him in the face filmed their attack on a mobile phone, it has been revealed.

Now police are concerned that the thugs carried out their attack purely for entertainment.

The victim, in his 20s, was assaulted as he walked home to The Deanery Halls of Residence in Southampton.

Police believe he may be a victim of what is known as 'banging out' where someone is assaulted and the incident is filmed on a camera video phone by attackers.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen the attack outside the Royal Oak pub in Houndwell Place, East Street.

The victim told police he was approached by two youths who asked him for a cigarette and a pound.

When he said he did not have either he was punched and kicked.

The attack left him with bruising and swelling to his head and he had to be treated for his injuries at Southampton General Hospital.

A police spokesman said: "It is thought the main reason for the attack may not have been theft but entertainment."

The first youth is described as white, about 16 years old, 5ft 9in and of medium build, wearing a blue cap with a red and white logo and a dark hooded top with white writing on the front.

The second attacker is described as white, about 16 years old, 5ft 5in and of skinny build with large eyes. He had brushed forward brown hair and was wearing a dark blue hooded top.

Staff at The Royal Oak said the night of the attack had been quiet with only about ten people in the pub at closing time, none of whom saw or heard anything of the attack.

Anyone who witnessed the attack which happened last Thursday at about 11.40pm or recognises the descriptions should call PC Philip Warwick at Southampton Police Station on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.