Police are appealing for witnesseses to what they now believe was a targeted attack on a middle aged man in Douglas a fortnight ago.

The victim was seriously assaulted in Melbourne Street at about 10:30pm on Friday, April 4.

Edward Oldham reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

Officers would particularly like to speak to a group of people the man was seen with outside the Bowling Green pub, in Derby Road, prior to the assault.

And they want the driver and any passengers of a small light-coloured Citroen which drove past the pub at about half past ten to come forward as well.

Detective Constable Andrew Pailor says the man has been released from hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

The attack isn't thought to have been a random one and there is no risk to the general public.

If you have any information, or are one of the people officers want to speak to, call Douglas CID on 631212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.