Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was seriously assaulted in a suspected hate crime incident in an Ipswich town centre pub.

The incident took place at about 12.20am on Saturday, October 14 within the male toilets at the Cock & Pye pub in Upper Brook Street.

The victim reported being approached by another man who questioned his sexual orientation.

He then punched him in the face a number of times, the victim reported.

The victim has required ongoing medical treatment, a spokesman for Suffolk police said.

A man in his 20s was arrested a short time later in connection with the incident and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

It is believed three other people witnessed the assault, the police spokesman added.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident in the venue on the morning of the attack.

Anyone with information related to the attack is asked to contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/60197/23.