A BOURNEMOUTH student horribly injured in an unprovoked attack at a university ball will have a metal plate in his face for the rest of his life.

Ben Millar, who is studying digital forensics and security at Bournemouth University, told how he was set upon by a gang, dressed up as mime artists, at around 8.30pm at the university’s annual summer ball, held at Bournemouth Sports Club, in Parley, last month.

The 23-year-old, originally from Portsmouth, revealed how the men threw their drinks at him for no apparent reason and when he confronted them they beat him to the floor, repeatedly kicking and punching him.

As a result of his injuries Mr Millar, who was also in fancy dress, wearing a hot pink suit and lime green beenie hat, suffered a fractured eye socket and has had an operation to fit a titanium plate in his face to support his eye.

Mr Millar, who was forced to take nearly a month off from his work placement to recover from the assault, has now called for witnesses to step forward to help detectives find his attackers so others can be spared his ordeal.

“I genuinely believe these people were just looking for a fight that particular night and I was the unlucky one they picked on,” the student said.

“I am angry about what happened. I just really hope these guys get caught and punished for what they’ve done. They shouldn’t be able to get away with it.” According to the university around 5,000 people attended the summer ball, many in fancy dress, which is mainly for students although they are allowed to invite guests.

Mr Millar told how the chain of events leading to the attack started 15 minutes earlier when he was punched to the side of the head by a man, dressed as a mime artist, while dancing with friends inside one of the marquees at the site.

Security staff at the event intervened, and although there was no explanation for the assault Mr Millar was determined to enjoy the rest of his night and the two men shook hands.

Minutes later Mr Millar left the tent on his own. He recognised the same man who had punched him drinking with a group of around ten other men, in similar costumes. He chose to ignore them, but as he walked past they hurled their drinks at him.

A spokesman from Bournemouth University, said: “Thankfully incidents such as this one are rare but we do take these matters very seriously by ensuring that professional security arrangements are in place.

“These arrangements include Dorset Police working alongside the Students’ Union on site as well as a full medical team which remains available throughout these events.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 and quote incident number 12:233. Alternatively call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.