DOCTORS have told the victim of a brutal attack outside a restaurant he will most likely suffer from arthritis for the rest of his life.

At about 12.05am on December 8, the 28-year-old from Hertfordshire was punched outside Joy Fook on Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, leaving his jaw shattered.

Since then he has undergone an operation to install a metal plate in his jaw but doctors have told him it is likely he will suffer from arthritis and discomfort in his jaw for the rest of his life.

He has also had fake teeth screwed in and been unable to eat solids since the assault with police saying he has "lost lots of weight".

Dc Stephen Baker said: "He has been told that one of the operation procedures will involve cutting behind his ears to get to the jaw and this is not a guarantee of any success, so the next few years appear pretty bleak for him.

"I really need to speak to anyone who may have witnessed what happened that night, as it really has changed this man’s life."

A 25-year-old man from Harlow was arrested in connection with the incident and bailed until March 3 pending further enquiries.

Witness appeals have been renewed as investigations continue.

Christmas work parties were being held at the restaurant on the night including from businesses based in Thurrock and Cheshunt.

Police want to speak to diners who were at the venue when the attack happened or anyone who has information about the incident.

To help police in their investigation, either call Dc Baker or his colleagues at Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.