Three calls were made to police

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The three men were walking home along Arkwright Street, in the Meadows, after a night out.

They were attacked by a gang of seven or eight men.

One of the victims managed to escape and rang 999 to ask for help.

But even after two further calls there was still no sign of the police.

One of the men - who asked to be known simply as Matt - said he had lost all faith in the service

In a statement, Nottinghamshire Police said it was a particularly busy period of the night with limited resources available.

However police conceded the gentlemen involved did not receive the service they expected.