TEENAGE thugs tried to bite the back of a father's head during a vicious attack.

The 41-year-old, who also had a chunk taken out of his finger, was left covered in blood after the brutal assault on him and his friend as they made their way home from watching football in a local pub.

The evening ended in terror when he and his 48-year-old friend were attacked as they were strolling back home in the Chartwell Green area of West End.

The two men were verbally abused before being kicked and punched to the ground by the teenagers.

The pair were then repeatedly kicked about the body and had their heads stamped on.

It is believed that that the attackers made off with a £200 gold chain, which was discovered missing after the incident.

Both victims were taken to Southampton General Hospital but went home after treatment.

Still recovering from the ordeal the 41-year-old man, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, said: "As a former seafarer I have been around the world five times and nothing like this has ever happened to me.

"I had bruised ribs and various bruises to my head and a swollen lip. My friend also had bruises to his head. In my opinion the people who did this are animals."

Hedge End police are appealing for witnesses to the attack.

They are particularly keen to hear from any motorists who drove by at that time, especially the occupants of a compact-size vehicle that slowed down before driving off again.

The driver is thought to be about 50 and was carrying a female passenger and possibly two other occupants in the back.

Police are also hoping to speak to six teenage males who were at the scene shortly after the incident so they can eliminate them from their inquiries.

The first attacker is described as white, aged 16 to 18, about 6ft 3in, of muscular build with short, straight dark brown hair and wearing a light or cream-coloured hooded top, dark trousers and a cap.

The second is also white and of the same age but about 5ft 7in, of slight build and wearing a lighter- coloured top than his accomplice.

Anyone with information about the Good Friday attack should contact the crime desk at Eastleigh police station or PC Meech at Hedge End on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.