POLICE have released CCTV of a suspect they want to question about a nightclub attack which was sparked by a row over a test of strength machine.

Gareth Fitzsimmons had been using the games machine on which players pay £1 to thump a punch bag three times in The Liquid and Envy nightclub, St Peter Street, Blackburn.

He beat the score set by two men and they turned on him, police said.

Mr Fitzsimmons, of Great Lever, Bolton, suffered a shattered jaw after being repeatedly kicked in the head during the incident on August 23.

His lower jaw was broken in three places, including two dislocations. He also suffered a broken cheek bone. The 22-year-old was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, which has a specialist unit for facial injuries, and underwent seven hours of surgery.

Doctors have only been able to operate on the left side of his jaw as he is still waiting for the right side to be repaired. Mr Fitzsimmons said: “I’m pleased to hear they are releasing CCTV and I hope it prompts someone to come forward. These men need to be caught. I’m just hoping this will help.

“The fact that they were prepared to do this to me over a game is terrifying. Who knows what they would do if it was more serious.”

Mr Fitzsimmons is slowly recovering from the attack but has lost two-and-a-half stone because he is struggling to eat solid foods, and said he was still in pain in every day.

The suspect in CCTV footage is described as white, in his mid 20’s. He has short brown hair which was spiked on top and shaved at the sides.

He was said to be stocky and muscular build and was wearing a tight black T-shirt. Police are also keen to identify a second man described as white, in his mid 20s.

He was over 6ft tall and had a slim build.

He had shoulder length black straight hair and was wearing a blue, short sleeved shirt.

Police Constable David Byrne said: “This was a serious assault and I urge anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV or can help identify the second man to contact us.”

Anybody with inmformation can call PC Byrne on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.