Police want to talk to a man spotted carrying a chair in connection with a serious assault on Brighton seafront.

A group of friends were attacked in Madeira Terrace, Brighton, on Saturday at 4.40am. They intervened after witnessing a man being attacked.

One of those who intervened suffered a stab wound to the hand, one a stab wound to the throat and the third a head injury after he was hit with a weapon.

The friends ran off towards Palace Pier being chased by the offenders but were caught outside the Harvester restaurant in Marine Parade and the violence continued.

Detective Constable Paul Ash said: “During the attack a number of items were thrown at the victims.

“The CCTV shows a man carrying a chair in the area at about the time of the attack and we would like to speak to him about what happened.

“There were a lot of people in the area at the time leaving bars and clubs and I am hoping some of them can identify the man or any of those responsible for the violence.”

The first offender was white, 18 to 20, of muscular build, had dark short hair and was wearing a t-shirt which he tore during the attack. He had a tattoo on his upper chest.

The second offender was white, 17 or 18, small and skinny. He had cropped hair.

The third offender was white, pale, about 18, with shaggy black hair and was wearing a t-shirt.

The fourth offender was white, 30 to 40 and had very short hair or was bald.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 300 of 5 October or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.