Soldier in uniform left with fractured skull after attack in London

Metropolitan police launch manhunt after victim left needing surgery following assault

The man in the picture is bearded with short, dark hair and appears to be wearing a black sweater and blue jeans or trousers (Metropolitan Police)

A soldier in formal mess uniform has been left with a fractured skull after he was attacked in central London.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a manhunt on Thursday and released a CCTV image of a man they are trying to trace.

The 28-year-old soldier was also left with injuries to his face, a fractured cheekbone and eye sockets and a broken nose, Scotland Yard said.

He required extensive surgery following the attack, which took place near Piccadilly Circus at 3.20am on Thursday, 31 January.

The force released a CCTV image of a man they are trying to trace after the attack on Haymarket, at the junction with Coventry Street.

The man in the picture is bearded with short, dark hair and appears to be wearing a black sweater and blue jeans or trousers.

Anyone who recognises the man should call Westminster CID on 101, quoting Cad 675/31Jan, Tweet MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.