POLICE have released CCTV pictures of the group of men suspected of carrying out a brutal and unprovoked assault on a teenager.

Rory O'Reilly, 18, was outside Loughton BBQ, in Loughton High Road, when he was set upon by a gang of men who unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks leaving him requiring reconstructive surgery.

Stills now released by the police show the suspected gang with their girlfriends outside Loughton BBQ and officers hope the footage will encourage witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer DC Lee Pudney said: “We’ve managed to retrieve some of the street CCTV and it shows the assailants as well as their girlfriends. There are some distinctive figures as well as clothing so we’re hoping that someone recognises them and can identify them for us.

“We believe the main suspect and his girlfriend were in the Minx Bar on the High Road earlier in the evening. They are pictured in the CCTV. This was an act of mindless violence which has left a young man with life-changing injuries.”

The main suspect is described as white, aged 18-22 and of slim build. He is about 5ft 8 ins tall with short, dark hair, and wore a green polo shirt top, white zip up jacket and jeans. He also wore a modern-style flat cap.

An 18-year-old man, from Loughton, has been arrested in connection with the investigation and is currently on police bail until Wednesday, July 28.

After the assault, Mr O'Reilly, of Tulip Gardens, in Chingford, had to undergo specialist dental surgery at London's Guy's Hospital.

In an interview with the Guardian last week he said he had trouble eating and struggled to sleep at night.

Anyone with information in connection with the assault, which took place at 2.30am on bank holiday Monday, May 3, should contact detectives at Loughton police station on 0300 333 4444.