A 28-year-old man was attacked and bitten in a cinema in a "nasty" assault after he told the man sitting behind him to be quiet.

The victim was watching a film with his girlfriend at Cineworld in Crawley Leisure park, London Road, Crawley, on June 1 at 7.20pm. 

He asked the loud-talking man sitting behind him to be quiet and the man then struck him in the back of the head.

The victim left and the man followed him outside and attacked him. 

He suffered a bite mark on his head and cuts and bruising to his face and neck. His glasses were also broken.

There is believed to be one suspect who is described as a mixed race man, aged 20 to 25, 6" to 6" 2' of medium build and with short shaven afro hair. He was wearing a brown t-shirt, jeans and dark trainers.

Police are especially keen to speak to a white man who was seen to step-in, believed to be wearing light coloured cargo shorts and a black top.

PC Mark Robinson said: "This was a nasty assault on someone who asked another cinema-goer to keep his talking down so he could enjoy the film.

The victim and his girlfriend have been very shaken by the incident and the victim has some nasty injuries.

"The cinema was busy that evening and it is hoped someone would have seen the incident"

Any witness or anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1326 of 1/6. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.