A 20-YEAR-old Royal Marine suffered multiple cheekbone fractures in a violent city centre assault.

The Royal Marine, of Bickleigh-based 42 Commando, said the attack has "messed up" his career.

His injuries left him unable to take part in a key mountain leader training course.

He could not speak or eat for a week after being attacked by three people outside the Derry's Cross Travelodge.

Police are appealing for witnesses to what they have called a serious unprovoked assault.

One man has been arrested and officers are searching for another in relation to the incident which took place at 2am on Sunday, January 29.

The marine said: "I survived seven months in Afghanistan, get back and this happens.

"I know I'm in the Marines, but I'm not a violent person.

"I was knocked out, my tooth was fractured, my face was broken in three places, I've got scars all over my face. I couldn't eat or talk for a week. It's messed my career up."

The marine, who returned from Afghanistan in October, said he was due to start a reconnaissance operator course, mountain leader, on Dartmoor the Monday after he was attacked.

He has had to take up a chef's course instead as it is less physically demanding.

The victim said he had been on a night out with a friend and their two girlfriends before he was attacked.

They were walking into the Travelodge when he was dragged to the floor from behind by a man.

He said he was then hit by a woman and attacked by another man who punched him in the face, knocking him out.

"The next thing I remember was waking up with my girlfriend looking over me, the police and paramedics all around," he said.

The marine was treated at Derriford Hospital. He has not needed surgery as his bones are knitting on their own.

Police are asking witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officers say the victim was assaulted by three people, two men and a woman, during the "serious unprovoked assault".

They have issued CCTV of a man they wish to identify and trace in relation to the incident.

He is of large build and was wearing glasses and a dark jacket.

Anyone who recognises the man or witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting police reference EC/12/1014. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org

A 39 year old man has been arrested in connection with the assault and released on police bail until March 15.