Reality star Maria Fowler has been left bloodied and bruised after falling victim to an alleged assault during a night out with her friends over the weekend. The former member of the cast of The Only Way Is Essex was photographed with blood pouring down her face and legs following the incident on Saturday night.

Maria, 28, was allegedly attacked when she visited the centre of Derby to enjoy drinks and dancing with her close friends. She posted up images of their night out on her Instagram page as they smiled and laughed together.

However by 2.30am on Sunday things took a turn for the worse. Derby police have confirmed that they are investigating an attack on a female reveller on the night in question in Becketwell Lane, Derby.

Maria Fowler appears bloodied and bruised after she was attacked on a night out (TM MEDIA PR)

Her representative also told the Daily Star: "Maria is still in shock so won't be commenting at the moment. However, it was a random attack." Earlier today Maria also retweeted a report on the incident and wrote on Twitter: "I've felt better."

It's the second time Maria has been subjected to an assault on a night out this year. Back in February she told fans of her plans to give up drinking after she was glassed. At the time she posted on the social media site: "I am official becoming teetotal. My business is doing well and waiting for the weekend every week is not going to help me progress in my tanning company.

Maria before she left her home to enjoy her evening with friends (MARIA FOWLER/INSTAGRAM)

"It seems the perfect time to hang up my Louboutins and quit alcohol. In the past two weeks I have been glassed by a man and also verbally abused when out and never received hostility like that before."