A man will require plastic surgery after suffering significant facial injuries when he was assaulted outside a pub.

The fight, involving two groups of men outside The Cornerstone in Shefford, happened at about 12.30am on Sunday.

A 24-year-old man was in the smoking area of the pub when he was hit around the back of the head with a bottle and fell to the floor where he was assaulted again. He suffered deep lacerations to his face.

A 26-year-old man tried to break up the fight and was also hit by a bottle. He suffered a four-inch cut to his arm.

Both men were taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage by ambulance, with the 24-year-old referred for plastic surgery.

Police have released descriptions of three men they would like to speak to.

The first man is described as Asian, in his early 20s, around 5ft 5in tall and of slim build. He was wearing a grey hooded top and blue jeans.

The second man is also described as Asian and in his early 20s, around 5ft 10in tall and of average build. He was wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

The third man is described as white, in his early 20s, around 6ft 1in tall and of stocky build. He was wearing blue lined black jeans and a shiny jacket.

Anyone with information should contact Beds police on tnon-emergency 101 number.