A 35 year old man whose neck and jaw were broken in a brutal attack last month has made an appeal through the Guardian for readers to help him catch the men who put him in a head brace for three months.

Darren Ellis, a payroll manager from Selhurst Road, South Norwood, was beaten unconscious outside Brannigan's nightclub in the early hours of Saturday October 6.

He was found by bouncers who had seen him on CCTV which zoomed in after the attack.

Mr Ellis said: "I've no idea why they did it, though my mobile phone was stolen," he said. He added: "I just want as many people as possible to hear about this so they can be caught."

It is believed the attack took place after an argument over a taxi.

Mr Ellis has to wear the stabilising brace until January 29, 2002, and takes liquid meals through a straw.

He has asked any Guardian readers with information which may help police find the men responsible to come forward.

Contact DC Andy White on 020 8649 0134/5 with information, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

November 22, 2001 17:00