A DINER suffered serious injuries after being hit round the head with a claw hammer when a fight broke out in a restaurant.

The assault took place at the Shalimar restaurant in High Street, Frodsham, at about 12.15am on Friday.

Two groups of three men were involved in an argument when one of them left the restaurant and returned with a hammer.

The offender then attacked one of the other group with the weapon. The victim suffered about five blows to his head, resulting in a head wound and facial injuries.

The offender and the rest of his party left before police arrived and detectives are keen to speak to anyone with information about the incident.

The attacker is described as white, in his mid-20s. He was of stocky build with dark cropped hair and wearing blue tracksuit bottoms.

The second man in the group was about 5ft 8ins, with short hair and wearing a blue sweatshirt and beige baseball cap.

The third was also 5ft 8ins, of slim build and short light hair. He was wearing a white Tommy Hilfiger top.

Customers in the restaurant at the time of the attack and people with information are asked to call DC Brian Green or DC Mark McManners on 01244 613234.

Alternatively, information can be left with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.