Two men were knocked unconscious by a group of strangers who assaulted them outside a hotel in Bellshill. 

The victims, aged 22 and 24, were walking near to the Bellmill Hotel on Hamilton Road at 11.25pm on Saturday, July 24.

They were approached by the group of men, all of whom were dressed in white t-shirts and dark coloured shorts, and were then assaulted by the group, who left them unconscious. 

The victims were then treated at Wishaw General Hospital for serious facial injuries. 

Police, who described the incident as a "brutal assault", are now appealing for information on the incident. 

Detective Constable Mark McNab from Wishaw CID said: “This was a brutal assault, and the group involved are not thought to be known to the victims, however there appears to have been some sort of verbal altercation with a man beforehand.

“This type of violence will not be tolerated and I am appealing to anyone who was in the area and either witnessed what happened, or anything else of significance, to please get in touch.

“I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were driving through at the time to check their footage in case they have captured the incident or suspects.

“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 2246 of Saturday, 24 July, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”