A builder was left in intensive care after being savagely beaten up following a night out to celebrate his friend’s 30th birthday in Hitchin.

Clive Everitt, 35, told the Comet from his hospital bed that doctors said he was two hours away from bleeding out internally after a group of attackers set upon him early on Saturday.

Clive – who is originally from Stevenage, but had come from his home in Leicestershire to help his friend celebrate his big day – had his spleen removed, and is set to remain in hospital for weeks after coming out of intensive care on Monday.

Speaking to the Comet, he said: “It was an unprovoked attack. I took a proper shoeing and could have died.

“I was out for my mate’s 30th birthday. We had a few drinks in Wetherspoons, a few in the Rose & Crown, walked over to Osinsky’s and had a few in there, and then I got attacked when I left.

“I don’t remember anything after Osinsky’s. It’s a bit vague, but after getting kicked in the head I don’t remember much. It’s put me off going out completely, if I’m honest.

“I’m not a saint, and I haven’t led a perfect life – but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”

Police appealed for witnesses to the assault on Monday, saying the 35-year-old had been attacked between 2am and 3am by a group of people close to ‘the church’ in Hitchin town centre – although officers have yet to establish to which church this refers.

The victim was later found by a woman who took him to her home in Stevenage before calling an ambulance which took him to hospital.

Det Con Gary Larkman, who is investigating the incident, said on Monday: “The victim remains in hospital in a stable condition.

“At this stage we do not have a more specific location of where the assault occurred.

“However, we are carrying out significant enquiries to establish exactly what happened to this man in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“I’m appealing for anyone with information that could assist our investigation to get in touch with me.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime reference G1/17/3717, or get in touch at herts.police.uk/report.

Alternatively, you can give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org. Information cannot be recorded and you will not go to court.