A REVELLER had some teeth knocked out after being punched in the face outside Yates' in Bolton town centre.

The 22-year-old suffered injuries to his mouth and teeth, police said, following the "unprovoked" attack.

A man had run up to him outside the bar at about 3.50am on Monday, April 6, before running off.

A CCTV image has now been released of a man police would like to speak to in connection with the attack.

Police have celebrated their work in cutting town centre disorder on Friday and Saturday nights, by working more closely with bars, clubs, door staff, taxi drivers and Bolton Council.

Adrienne Tonge, from Bolton Street Angels, said that the partnership arrangement has had a positive impact, but voiced concerns that a drop in officer numbers has cut the deterrent.

Det Con Dave Abram said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack that left the man with significant injuries to his mouth and teeth.

"We have managed to obtain an image from local CCTV and I would ask anyone who may recognise the person to contact us as soon as possible.”

In late 2013, police were commonly deploying 24 officers in the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights — but now often have just seven on duty.

Licensees have worked together in a number of ways, including by collaborating on offers, so price wars do not lead to really cheap alcohol being available.

Each agrees a type of drink it will offer so they are not competing.

Bouncers at each of the 10 Bolton establishments with a licence until 4am — the second most behind Manchester in the region — communicate with each other by radio to warn of people they have ejected or refused entry Ms Tonge, of the Street Angels, said: "It has made a difference and in particular door staff using radios has reduced the number of incidents.

"They are much better than they used to in turning people away who have drunk too much.

"Before it was every man for himself and places were trying to get as much business as possible.

"Police numbers seem to have declined so they are not there to act as a deterrent.

"But the town centre has been relatively quiet lately."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5608 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.