A young man was repeatedly kicked in the face during a vicious attack by a gang of thugs.

The 23-year-old was left with horrific facial injuries after being targeted by three men in Glasgow city centre.

Detectives are now trying to establish a motive for the beating, which happened at around 4am on Sunday.

The victim had been walking with two other men in West Regent Street near to Blythswood Square,when they were confronted by three men.

He was kicked repeatedly by two of the trio.

They were last seen getting into a small light coloured car - which was driven by a woman - eastbound along West Regent Street.

The victim was treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for a facial injury.

Police said the two men he was with managed to run off into West Regent Street.

Both suspects are described as white, in their mid 20s and around 6ft tall.

One male is of large build, with dark hair and was wearing dark clothing.

His accomplice is of medium build and was wearing grey clothing.

Detective Constable Vikki Reid said: "At this time we have not established a motive for this attack and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police immediately.

"I’m particularly anxious to speak to the driver and any passengers of a dark coloured private hire vehicle that was seen in the vicinity at the time the assault took place."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.