DETECTIVES say they are hunting a group of anglers who seriously assaulted a man last night after he jumped into the water where they were fishing.

Three men repeatedly punched and kicked him after he’d clambered back ashore and exchanged words with them.

The injured 35-year-old was left with a fractured cheekbone, a broken nose and multiple cuts and bruises following the attack at Greenock’s waterfront, near the EE call centre.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff said: “The man jumped into the water where the three males were fishing and they shouted abuse at him.

“He has said something back and they have set about him, kicking and punching him, after he got out of the water.”

Police say the man had been walking home with his sister following an evening out when the incident occurred at around 8pm.

His three attackers made off on foot towards the McDonald’s fast food restaurant.

One is described as having a cream-coloured bucket hat, short dark hair, light blue jeans and a white long-sleeved top.

The other two were wearing grey tops and one of them was wearing shorts.

Witnesses are asked to pass information to the police via the 101 number.