The 20-year-old victim was left with smashed teeth and injuries to his face and head after a powerful one-punch attack in the early hours of last Saturday.

Detectives say they believe the culprit was a man dressed all in khaki and is believed to be a soldier or ex-serviceman on a stag night.

He was part of a group who were all wearing similar khaki-coloured T-shirts bearing stag night messages when the assault took place on Church Street, Blackpool, at 1.45am.

Det Sgt Paddy Dowling said an initial appeal for help from hoteliers had been unsuccessful but he believes the group may have been staying in Blackpool on the night.

He said: "This was a severe and totally unprovoked attack.

"Anyone who had a large group of soldiers on a stag night in their hotel should get in touch with police.

"We would also appeal for anyone who witnessed or knows about the assault to come forward and speak to us."

Call Blackpool CID on (01253) 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.