A teenage boy was taken to hospital after being assaulted by a man as he crossed a road in Brighton city centre.

The 17-year-old was walking alone near St Peter’s Church when he was approached at a crossing by a man he didn’t know.

As the boy crossed the road towards St Peter’s House Library in Richmond Terrace, the man assaulted him.

The boy was looked after by library staff and taken to hospital where he was treated for a serious injury. He has since been discharged.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and relevant information following the incident, which took place at about 4pm on Tuesday, January 2.

The man was described as stocky and of an Arab or mixed ethnic background, in his mid-20s, 5ft 6in, with a black beard.

He was wearing a black jacket and a beanie hat with a logo.

Anyone with relevant CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage is also urged to report it to police.

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by caling 101, quoting serial 932 of 02/01.