A cinema audience was left shocked after a 40-year-old man was punched in the face during the screening of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in High Wycombe on Friday.

The victim suffered a two-inch cut on his cheek after being assaulted by two men during a daytime showing of the new film at Eden Shopping Centre's Cineworld on Friday.

Other people in the cinema rushed to help the victim and gave first aid until an ambulance arrived and took him to Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

During the film, at about 2pm on Friday, the victim was sat in front of two men who continued to be disruptive throughout the screening.

He asked the men to politely stop talking or he would speak to a member of Cineworld staff.

They continued to disrupt the victim, so he then asked the offenders to again stop talking.

He was then sworn at by one of the offenders and they then threatened to assault him at the end of the film, the disruption continued and the victim stood up in order to get a member of staff.

One of the offenders then punched the victim in the right hand side of his face, leaving him with a two-inch cut to his cheek and bruising.

The attacker is described as an Afro-Caribbean male, aged between 17 to 20-years-old and about 6ft tall. He is described to be of a heavy build with short curly, dark hair.

The male also had scarring to his face and was wearing a grey hooded top.

Investigating officer, PC Emma Smith, said: “This was an assault where the victim received a facial injury that required hospital treatment.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this and in particular, a member of the public who assisted the victim and provided first aid until police arrived.”

A Cineworld spokesman said: "We are assisting the Thames Valley Police with their investigation following an incident at the cinema on Friday, March 25.

“The cinema team responded to the situation, providing first aid and ensuring the customer was as comfortable as possible whilst the police and paramedics arrived.  

“We make every effort to ensure our cinemas are a safe and welcoming environment for all. Our staff receive the latest training and there is CCTV throughout our cinemas.

“We wish the customer a speedy recovery.”

If you have any information, call police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.