Police are investigating after a man was seriously injured in an early hours street attack in

Weymouth just before Christmas.

Joseph Sims, 25, was walking home from a night out when he was suddenly punched in the face by an unknown assailant near the town centre.

The attack caused Mr Sims to fall to ground and when paramedics found him, he was unconscious.

It happened in Gloucester Street just before 2am on Christmas Eve.

After initial treatment at the scene, Mr Sims was taken to

Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, where he was treated for serious injuries including a bleed on the brain and skull fractures.

Mr Sims’ mum, Hazel Whalley, said the attack ruined the family’s Christmas after her son spent more than three days in hospital.

She said: “We didn’t have a Christmas, it ruined it completely. Joseph was in the hospital from early Christmas Eve until Thursday.”

She added: “I think it’s quite disgusting. I hope police find the culprit. It’s caused a lot of problems.”

She said her son has been left traumatised by the attack and is very quiet.

He suffered serious injuries from the assault, including a bleed on the brain and his skull has been cracked in two places by the impact from falling.

His vision has become blurred and he won’t be able to work due to his injuries.

As well as being attacked, Mr Sims lost his wallet, keys, ID and phone.

As a result, paramedics were unable to identify him after transferring him to hospital. It wasn’t until 10am on Christmas Eve that his family were contacted.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Gill Taylor, said her thoughts are with Mr Sims and his family .

She said: “I am so sorry this has happened over Christmas, it’s a terrible thing to have happened in our town.

“My thoughts go out to the family. I hope he is alright and that police continue with their investigation.

“Weymouth is a safe place and unprovoked attacks are very unusual in this town. A lot of young people go out and are perfectly safe.”

She added: “There will be a lot of people out over the festive season, people need to be aware these things can happen and look after themselves and their friends.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 1.59am on Christmas Eve that a man had been assaulted in Gloucester Street.

“Officers attended and there was a search of the area.”

A 27-year-old man from Exeter was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been released under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55180205451.