Soldier in uniform left with fractured skull, cheekbone and eye sockets after being beaten up near Tube station

A SOLDIER in uniform was left with a fractured skull, cheek bone and eye sockets after being beaten up near a Tube station in South West London.

The 28-year-old soldier needed extensive surgery after suffering the horrific injuries that also included a broken nose.

Police have today released a photo of a man as they investigate the attack, that unfolded on Coventry Street in the early hours of January 31.

The photo shows a bearded man in a black, long-sleeved shirt.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Officers investigating an assault on a serving soldier are appealing for information to identify a man they wish to speak with.

"At 3.20hrs on Thursday, 31 January, a 28-year-old soldier, wearing mess uniform, was attacked on Haymarket, at the junction with Coventry Street, SW1.

"The victim’s injuries were mainly facial and included a fractured skull, cheek bone and eye sockets, and a broken nose which required extensive surgeries to correct.

"Detectives have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with in connection with this incident. Can you name him?"

It comes after London's streets have been gripped by a terrifying knife crime epidemic.

Shocking figures released earlier this year revealed knife crime in England and Wales soared to a record high, with 43,000 offences in 2018.

In May, figures revealed five young people are attacked with a knife every day in London.

New PM Boris Johnson has launched a recruitment drive for 20,000 new police officers across the UK over the next three years.

Anyone who can identify the male is asked to contact Westminster CID by dialling 101 and quoting Cad 675/31Jan, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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