A MAN has been taken to hospital after being bottled in the face in what police described as a "vicious attack".

At about 1am on Saturday, July 31, a 44-year-old man had been walking with a friend along St James Street, Brighton, when he was hit in the face with a bottle and then with a broken bottle, by two men.

The attack happened just as the man turned into a road off the main street, near the Co-op.

It was there that he was then kicked in the chest, falling to the ground.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment and was discharged later the same night.

The second man he was with was not hurt and nothing was reported to have been stolen, police said.

The two assailants, who are believed to have been with at least one other man, then made off along Margaret Street.

Detective inspector James Meanwell said; The motive for this vicious though isolated attack has not been established and we are currently investigating to establish the full circumstances.

"Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact the police either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 83 of 31/07."

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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