A footballer left partially paralysed after an attack near Brentwood’s Sugar Hut nightclub is said to be in “good spirits” following an operation on Monday.

Nicky Morgan was left with serious injuries after being involved in an altercation involving ten men in William Hunter Way in the early hours of Friday last week.

Billericay Town’s goalkeeper, who had been out at the nightclub celebrating a friend’s birthday, was left with injuries so severe he was unable to move his legs.

Police have said that they believe he had been helping staff break up a fight that took place both inside and outside the venue, which has been made famous by The Only Way is Essex TV show.

A statement from his football club said that the operation “went well”.

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It continued: “He is back in intensive care, and is expected to begin rehab in the next few days on his long path to recovery.

“He is in good spirits and has commented that all the messages of support he has received have overwhelmed him, and they are helping him through this difficult time.”

The 25-year-old, from Loughton, is said to have promised the club that he will “be back”.

The team’s manager, Craig Edwards, said: “He’s probably the most popular player at the club. He’s the nicest fella you could wish to meet. I hope whoever did this feels proud of themselves because it’s absolutely disgusting.”

Det Insp Jamie Gingell said: “The man is thought to have been injured when he was pushed to the ground and assaulted by one man, though we believe about nine other men were involved in the altercations.

“We are studying CCTV images of the incidents and would urge the 10 people involved to come forward before we go looking for them and start knocking on their doors.”

The club will be raising money for Nicky at their match at home to St Neots Town tomorrow (Saturday).

n Witnesses can contact Harlow police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.