Former Hefner frontman Darren Hayman has been left with a fractured skull after being attacked after a gig in Nottingham last Friday (November 13).

Hayman's wife Helen has written a letter to fans, which she linked to on her husband's Twitter page, thanking fans for support and explaining the extent of his injuries.

She wrote:

"Hello all,

Darren is still not allowed near his computer but I've read him all of your messages and he is completely overwhelmed and grateful for all of your love and best wishes. He is feeling very loved and supported.

The full story is, that he and David Shepherd were attacked and mugged whilst parking the car after Nottingham's show. Nothing to do with the gig, just wrong place at the wrong time. He was discharged from hospital last night and is now safely back in London. There should be no long lasting damage, but he does have a linear fracture in his skull (this is the best kind apparently!) which will keep him fairly quiet for six weeks or so. He also has a head wound, a bit of bruising, and a very nasty headache. However they have prescribed a terrifying amount of pain killers to deal with this.

He has made huge improvements since the incident and I'm sure that it is only a matter of time before he wrestles this computer from me and lets you know how he's doing and what he's up to.

All we seem to have done for days is to say thank you to people for their kindness, sorry for the lack of eloquence but thank you again.

Love, Helen & Darren"

Somewhat unfortunately, a few hours before the attack happened Hayman tweeted: “I'm in nottingham. Most violent city in uk im told. Come see me play!”

(by Scott Colothan)