A MAN suffered a fractured skull when he fell to the floor and banged his head after being punched in the face during an attack on Saturday.

The 24-year-old man and his girlfriend had just returned home after a night out when the incident happened at about 12.50am by the Shawfields, close to the Innage, in Wythall.

A gang of about eight to 10 youths, including two girls, hurled abuse at the couple as they got out of the car.

The man, who had asked if they were talking to him, was approached by a youth aged about 15 who prodded him in the chest.

Police said a second youth, who was described as older, told his friend to calm down.

As the man glanced away from the youths he was punched in the face, fell to the floor, banged his head and was knocked unconscious.

He is being treated at the Alexandra Hospital.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call them on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.