Police are appealing for witnesses after thugs viciously beat two men as they were leaving a Hamilton nightclub.

The incident happened on Saturday night outside Splash Night Club, on Bermudiana Road, at around 3.55 a.m., and when officers responded and saw several men fleeing.

Police chased the men and arrested three of them in the area of the 24-hour gas station nearby, before going to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to speak with the victims, a 29-year-old man and a 36-year-old man, both cousins. They both suffered facial injuries.

They told Police that while leaving the club they noticed someone trying to steal a helmet locked to one of the victims' motorbike. An argument ensued after they approached the man, followed by a fight.

Subsequently, about 15 other males appeared and attacked the cousins, beating and punching them to the ground, where they were further assaulted.

The 36-year-old was treated for lacerations to his head and face and required stitches in his right eye. The 29-year-old was treated for lacerations and cuts to his eyebrow and his right eye.

Both men were subsequently released. Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident to contact Sgt. Dean Martin at Central CIU on 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.