A PUB landlady's partner will need reconstructive surgery after he was attacked by three rowdy customers.Douglas Richardson, 43, was hit on the head with a brick after he ejected three drunken customers from the Essex Skipper pub, in Rochford Way, Frinton.

By Juliette Maxam

A PUB landlady's partner will need reconstructive surgery after he was attacked by three rowdy customers.

Douglas Richardson, 43, was hit on the head with a brick after he ejected three drunken customers from the Essex Skipper pub, in Rochford Way, Frinton.

The blow fractured Mr Richardson's cheekbone in two places and today he is due to see surgeons to discuss reconstructive surgery.

A police officer investigating the attack said the injury could have been fatal.

The attack happened on Friday at about 7.30pm.

Three men, aged in their late teens to early 20s, were causing a problem. They were asked to leave the pub. They objected and began to throw bottles around the bar.

Mr Richardson, whose partner, Dawn Henderson, is manager of the Essex Skipper, removed them.

When they were in the pub car park, one of the customers threw half a building brick at Mr Richardson.

Pc Ian Rutherford, of Walton Police, said: "It was an unprovoked vicious attack which could have been a lot more serious than it was. It could have been fatal."

He is appealing for witnesses to contact him with any information about the attack or the drunken customers.

Brewer Greene King, which owns the pub, said: "Greene King Pub Company wishes Mr Richardson a speedy recovery after what was a vicious and unprovoked attack and Greene King has offered counselling to Mr Richardson."

The brewery said the attacker is not known as a pub regular. The three men had been drinking in the pub earlier in the afternoon, but had left and then returned in the early evening.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Rutherford on 01255 221312.