POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a young man suffered a fractured skull during a night out at a fair.

The 17-year-old victim was at the fair on The Hoe's Promenade at about 9pm on August 4 when he was allegedly attacked.

The victim told police he was struck once and then fell backwards unconscious.

Paramedics were called to the scene and he was later taken to Derriford Hospital where he was found to have suffered a fractured skull.

Investigators believe the injury came about as his head struck the ground. In addition, the victim has suffered a loss of hearing in one ear, although it is not yet known if this is a permanent injury.

Detectives believe there were a large number of people in the area at the time and are keen for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

One witness has told police they saw a young man in his late teens or early twenties engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim shortly before the alleged assault. He was described as being black and was wearing a black tracksuit.

Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 08452 777444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference number EC/10/7992.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail until October 15 pending further inquiries.