POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a vicious machete attack in Halesowen.

A Birmingham man was left with serious injuries after a violent early-hours altercation outside the Old Crown pub, Carters Lane.

Officers were called to Carters Lane at just after 1.15am on Saturday, March 25 following reports of disorder involving men fighting.

A 22-year-old man was attacked with a machete, which led to serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

A West Midlands Police spokesman appealed for more information concerning the violent attack.

He said: "Detectives are seeking a group of five or six black and white men who chased the victim out of the pub who are suspected of carrying out the attack.

"At this stage, officers believe that this was a targeted attack but this kind of violence will not be tolerated."

The police are convinced there are witnesses yet to come forward who hold the key to the attackers being found and brought to justice.

The police spokesman added: "We strongly believe that someone knows who did this crime and that someone will have information that could prove vital to our investigation.

"Anyone with information concerning this attack can contact DC Evans on 101 or via email r.d.evans@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk."

Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111 quoting the crime number 20BW/61532J/17.