A teenager was left needing stitches to his head after being attacked during an event celebrating the cancelled Kingston Carnival.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 19-year-old man was struck on the head at McCluskys in Bishop’s Hall on Friday, September 5 at about 1.30am.

It is believed he was standing by the bar, close to the main entrance, when he felt someone pushing him on his chest before being hit over the head.

Bouncers at the club intervened and the man was taken to a south London hospital, where he received stitches. Detective Constable Iain Millar from Kingston Police said: “This was an unprovoked attacked on a young man who has gone out to enjoy himself with his friend on what appears to be a special ‘carnival theme night’ at the night club.

“At the time of the assault the club was full of people some of whom had painted faces for the event.

“Someone must have seen something or knows who carried out the attack and I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us with this investigation.”

The night, organised by Banquet Records, called Long Live Kingston Carnival, was in honour of the annual street parade being cancelled.

Ska legend Neville Staple, who was due to headline Kingston Carnival, also performed earlier in the evening.

Kingston Carnival founder John Azah said: "I left at about 12.45am and people were enjoying themselves - there was no indication that anything negative was happening. People were behaving sensibly. 

"Even though Carnival was cancelled people were in a positive frame of mind. I am surprised that anybody there who was enjoying such a positive vibe would want to do anything negative.

"I would urge anyone who knows anything to come forward and report it to the police."

Anyone with information should contact DC Iain Millar on 0208 721 5879 / 5842 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.