A man was left with severe facial injuries after being punched in the face in an unprovoked assault, police say.

The 39-year-old victim, who required major surgery and is still in recovery, was set upon by an unknown man at the Boleyn Tavern in Barking Road, Upton Park, on August 30.

Another man who he was with was also punched but not injured.

The suspect is described as a black man in his early 30s, around 6ft 2in tall with short black hair. He is said to have spoken with a London accent.

DS John Macleod said: “We want to hear from anyone who was in the pub on this night and witnessed the incident, or who thinks they know - based on the description given and the area the assault took place in - who the suspect might be.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.