Joseph Maguire was walking from his friend's flat in Wellington Terrace, Hanway Road, Buckland, when he met two men in the stairwell of the building – both were holding golf clubs.

One took a swing at him, hitting him on the back of the head. The attack happened between 6.30am and 6.45am on Friday.

The 36-year-old fell and the men continued to hit him, before running off.

The victim suffered broken ribs and severe bruising.

He had been unable to run off because he broke a leg in an accident five weeks ago.

Mr Maguire, of Cosham, said: 'I got up to go to work and as I came down the stairs I saw them. They used me as a human golf ball. I still have no idea why. They seemed to think I'd done something to upset them but I really don't know what.

The attack only stopped when a resident of the flats heard the noise and came out to tell them all to be quiet.

While lying on the stairs Mr Maguire called his friend Caz Mitchell for help. She phoned for an ambulance.

The 28-year-old said: 'The phone woke me. I really couldn't understand what he was saying. I just managed to make out the word ''stairwell". I found him coughing up blood.'

PC Kristie White said: 'This was an unprovoked attack that left the man with some serious, very painful injuries.

'I'd ask that anyone who thinks they may have seen these men contacts police as soon as possible.'

Both attackers were white. One was in his 20s, about 6ft and of stocky build with short hair.

The second man was between 17 and 20, 5ft 9ins and stocky. He had short spiky hair and was wearing a dark tracksuit top.

Police arrested a 21-year-old man yesterday in connection with this incident. He has been released on bail until October 14.

Information to PC White at Fratton Police Station on 0845 045 4545 or 01962 841534, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.