A man was left critically ill in hospital following an attack.

The 53-year-old from was attacked by a group of three men outside Energie (COR) fitness club in London Road, East Grinstead, in the town in the early hours of July 28.

He was punched in the face and struck on the back of the head by the men between 1am and 2am before he was helped by people in the area to get home.

The victim did not report the incident to police as he did not know how badly he had been hurt.

While abroad on a family holiday in August he began to suffer headaches and sickness but this worsened until he could not recognise friends and family.

After returning home he was sent for a scan and was then rushed to Hurstwood Park neurological unit in Haywards Heath on September 13 when doctors realised he had a life-threatening brain injury.

He underwent emergency brain surgery from which he is currently recovering.

Police were contacted after the victim was taken to Hurstwood Park.

The attackers had been sat on a bench with a woman outside Energie before the attack took place. All are described as white and in their early twenties.

Detective Constable Karrie Bohanna said: "This was a nasty unprovoked attack that could have proved fatal. If the victim had not been with his family when his condition worsened he might not have got the treatment he needed in time.

"I am keen to speak to anyone who saw the attack taking place or the victim being helped in the moments afterwards. As the victim did not appear too seriously hurt after the assault, anyone who saw what happened may not have come forward yet but I would urge them to do so.

"Also, if you were one of the men involved in the attack I would urge you to contact us. You may not have realised how badly injured the victim was but we need to speak to you."

Call Sussex Police on 101.