A SOLDIER was left scarred and needing stitches after he got caught up in a confrontation between strangers in a bar.

Tim Cockcroft was hospitalised after he was hit in the face while out for his friend's birthday in Bar 32, in Duke Street, Brighton.

His family fear he could be "scarred for life".

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where he received 15 stitches before being allowed home.

The 24-year-old soldier had served for six years in the Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, and had returned home to Seaford at the end of last year.

He said there had been a confrontation between other patrons in the bar and as he tried to "cordon off" the dispute to stop more people getting involved someone threw a glass or bottle which hit him in the face.

The altercation happened just after midnight during a busy Saturday night and Mr Cockcroft’s sister took to social media in a bid to help find his attackers.

In under an hour the shocking pictures of the crescent moon shaped gash around the soldier’s eye had been shared more than two and a half thousand times.

Mr Cockroft said: “My friends were really shocked. I have been getting loads of nice messages.

“The bouncers looked after me really well and put pressure straight on the cut. I go into Bar 32 all the time and you don’t expect this violence – this was just some idiots.”

On a Facebook post which included an image of Tim's horrific injuries, his sister Samantha said: “After six years in the army and two tours in Afghanistan, thankfully unharmed, this happened to my brother out in Brighton."

She added: “This type of violence is terrible, he will be scarred for life and I only hope the police can charge the people involved.”

Police are now investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who saw what happened or who may have other information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, phone 101, quoting serial 512 of August 16 or contact Crimestoppers without having to leave their name on 0800 555 111.