Andrew Bell has 70 staples holding his scalp together after thugs hurled a cobble stone the size of a house brick at him.

It smashed his face and Andrew, 38, underwent a five-hour operation to have his features restored.

The brick shattered an eye socket and cheek bones and ripped off part of the bridge of his nose.

Plastic surgeons at Eastbourne District General Hospital had to cut his scalp from ear to ear to reach the injuries.

They used tiny pieces of bone from his skull and dissolvable plastic to rebuild his nose.

Wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses to hide his injuries, Mr Bell said he wants the culprit brought to justice: "It could have killed me and the person responsible could have been facing a murder charge.

"I was an innocent victim of an unprovoked attack and I will do everything I can to find out who did this."

Mr Bell, a builder from Hove, was walking with two friends on a tree-lined avenue at the north end of The Level, Brighton, when they passed through a group of ten to 15 youths, girls and boys aged about 16.

The gang became abusive and hurled stones and bricks after Mr Bell told them to go home.

Mr Bell remembered seeing the brick hurtling towards his face.

He just had time to turn his face slightly as it made contact, a move that police believe may have saved his life.

Mr Bell put his hand to his face and found it covered in blood.

He was taken in a friend's taxi to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and later transferred to Eastbourne.

Still suffering headaches today, Mr Bell was discharged from hospital last Thursday.

Detective Constable Tony Sivier, from Brighton and Hove CID, said: "This was a very violent assault and the consequences, if Mr Bell had not turned around and the brick had hit the back of his head, may have proved even more severe.

"I'm appealing for the group of youths to come forward."

Mr Bell's nose was totally dislodged and pushed into his face.

Six staples were pinned under each eye and some were inserted inside his nose after the operation.

They have now been taken out and surgeons will gradually remove the staples in his scalp over the next few months.

Mr Sivier said: "I don't suppose the youngsters were aware of the serious injuries caused and they may be feeling remorse once they realise."

Mr Bell said: "I was simply minding my own business - they could have killed me.

"I only hope some among them have a conscience and come forward and speak to the police."

The attack happened at about 11.30pm on July 4 but was not reported to police until Sunday.

Anyone with information should call Mr Sivier on 0845 6070999.