A Brighton bus driver had his arm slashed by a thief who tried to steal his takings as he drove through Woodingdean.

Police are now appealing for information and have released a CCTV image of a youth they wish to speak to in connection with the attack.

The incident, which took place at approximately 10pm on Friday, involved a 48-year-old who was driving the 2A Rottingdean bus westbound when he stopped at the Downs Hotel in Woodingdean.

Four teenagers, two male and two female, boarded the bus. One of the females in the group asked the driver for four child tickets, according to Sussex Police.

She then immediately asked the driver for a refund as one of the males reached through the screen and snatched at the coins.

The driver attempted to stop the offender when he felt a sharp pain in his arm.

He tried to make the teenager leave the bus but the attacker continued to confront him before kicking him in the shin and fleeing with some of the takings.

The driver needed stitches to his arm and was forced to take time off work as a result of the attack.

The offender was white, aged around 15 and approximately 5ft 7in.

He is described as skinny, with dark brown, short hair, and he was wearing a grey jacket and carrying a rucksack.

Detective Constable Caroline Gridley, of Brighton and Hove CID, said: “The bus driver tried to calm the situation but was repaid by being cut on the arm.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who was on the bus at the time and saw the incident taking place or who knows who the teenagers are.”

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting serial 711 of 17 August, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.