A teenage chess sensation was mugged by an eight-strong gang shortly after taking part in a major competition.

Grandmaster Farhad Tahirov, 19, was kicked and punched and had £1,000 stolen from him by the gang after the 82nd Hastings International Chess Congress.

It happened as he walked along Harold Road, Hastings, at about 8pm on January 5.

Mr Tahirov said: "I couldn't believe something like this could happen in England.

"I have travelled in many countries over the last ten years and have never experienced anything like this.

"I don't know if I'll be coming back to Hastings."

Two men were arrested by police but released due to a lack of evidence.

The leader of the gang who carried out the attack was aged 40 to 45 and the others between 18 and 21.

Mr Tahirov and tournament winner Gerab Gagunashvili were forced to miss the prizegiving because they were at Hastings police station reporting the crime.

Hastings MP Michael Foster said: "I am very upset a guest in our town should be subjected to such a thing."

Anyone who has information about the attack is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.