A MAN has been left with severe facial injuries after an unprovoked attack in a pub at the weekend.

Shane Marsh lost nearly four pints of blood and needed 34 stitches after he was glassed.

The 27-year-old was on the dance floor of the Lighthouse Pub, in Church Street, Hartlepool, when he was attacked.

Mr Marsh, who is a line operator for Metro Mail, had travelled from his home in Peterlee for a night out in Hartlepool with friends, suffered a serious head injury, believed to have been caused by a glass.

He said: "I honestly don't know what happened.

One minute I was just dancing on the dance floor and the next minute I was covered in blood.

"I can't think of anything that had happened during the night that could have provoked the attack.

"My clothes were absolutely drenched with blood, the hospital reckon I lost nearly four pints.

"I won't know the full extent of my injuries until the bruising and swelling goes down. I suffered an inch-long cut to my left eyebrow, a large gash to my nose and another severe cut in the corner of my right eye where the tear duct is.

"I am having trouble sleeping and when I was in the bath, washing the blood from my hair, I suffered a panic attack. The warm water running into my eyes reminded me of the blood."

Mr Marsh, who is 6ft 4in and weighs about 15 stone, was found shortly after the incident in an alleyway at the rear of the pub, and was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

By Graeme Hetherington graeme.hetherington@nne.co.uk He underwent surgery for severe facial injuries and was released the next day. However, he is expected to have to undergo further operations in the future.

Detective Sergeant Lee Rukin, of Hartlepool police, said: "I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward. This appears to have been a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent man."

The alleged attacker is described as approximately 25, 5ft 8in, of skinny build, with mousy brown hair that was brushed forward.

He was wearing jeans and a long-sleeved jumper with horizontal stripes.

An 18-year-old Hartlepool man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call Det Sgt Rukin on 01642-302126.