A GYM instructor from Bridgwater says he was knocked unconscious, kicked, punched and left physically and mentally scarred after an unprovoked attacked by a gang of nine men.

Sam Kane, 21, was on a night out with three of his friends in town when he claims he was set upon on the dance floor of The Gallery bar just before 2am on Monday, September 22.

Sam said: “All I remember is being punched and then the next thing I know there are paramedics all around me.”

“My earring was ripped out, my right eye is badly bruised, my head and neck are really swollen, my ribs are bruised too and there was a footprint on the side of my head where somebody had stamped on me.”

An ambulance took Sam to Musgrove Park Hospital where his injuries were examined and he had X-rays and a CT scan.

Tests revealed no lasting damage but he has been told to rest, is taking pain-killers and received another CT scan yesterday (Monday) to check the condition of his brain.

Doctors say it will take several weeks but are hopeful he will make a full recovery.

Sam has been badly shaken by the ordeal. He said: “It was just an awful attack and it’s knocked my confidence a lot – I don’t want to go anywhere near town.”

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the bar in an attempt to track down the attackers.

Sam shared his story and pictures of his injuries on Facebook in an appeal to gather as much information as possible about the incident.

He said: “If anyone knows anything or even saw what happened but doesn’t want to go to the police then please call Crimestoppers because they will take anonymous calls.”

The Gallery bar was approached for comment on the attack but did not respond before the Mercury went to press.

The police are speaking to witnesses and ask anyone with any information to call 101, quoting crime reference number 98189/14.