A man was assaulted by four men in Tewkesbury on Wednesday.
The 57-year-old was walking near the Anchor pub on Gander Lane at about 2300 BST, when he was attacked by up to four men he had previously shouted at.
They punched and kicked the victim, who ended up in the river at the back of the Abbey.
He was helped out of the water by a passer-by, who police are keen to trace.
The man was later treated at Cheltenham General Hospital for head and facial injuries.
Police are appealing for witnesses.