DETECTIVES in west Belfast are appealing for information following a serious assault in the Roden Street area in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police were called to the scene at around 1.40am following reports of a number of men assaulting another man in the street.

Officers found an unconscious man lying in the street upon their arrival a short time later, with injuries to his head, back, arm and hand.

The man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries which are serious but not believed to life threatening.

Detectives would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the assault or anyone who has any information to contact them at CID in Woodbourne on the non-emergency number 101.

It is believed that a taxi may have been in the area at the time and detectives would be keen to speak with the driver.

Information can also be passed anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.