Two police officers accused of using excessive force while arresting a group of stag night revellers have been removed from front-line duty.

PCs Darren Egan and David Lovett are being investigated after a judge requested an independent inquiry into the actions of officers outside the Honeyclub on Brighton seafront.

The move follows the acquittal of four men charged with violent disorder after doormen on a stag night from Crawley clashed with club security staff. The case went to court three times at a cost of more than £1 million.

During the third, seven-week trial at Hove Crown Court, which finished last month, a jury was repeatedly shown footage of PC Egan allegedly striking doorman Ian Jackson, 37, of Roffey Close, Horley, over the head with his baton.

The blow left a wound which needed 15 stitches and a permanent 8inch scar.

PC Lovett also allegedly repeatedly used his baton to strike members of the group as they retreated along the Lower Esplanade outside the club on March 1, last year.

During the third trial, defence counsel alleged "one or more" officers had used excessive force during the incident and should face criminal charges.

Two previous trials collapsed for legal reasons.

After he was cleared, Mr Jackson, 38, confirmed that he intended to take legal action against Sussex Police.

He said he would press for charges of assault to be brought against some of the officers involved and would pursue a civil claim for compensation for his injuries.

Judge David Rennie said he hoped an independent inquiry into the actions of some police officers at the scene would be held in addition to any investigation by Sussex Police.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "The investigation is being carried out by the Police Complaints Authority, which is an independent body and PCs Darren Egan and David Lovett have been removed from front-line duty."

A Police Complaints Authority spokesman confirmed that a complaint had been received and was being investigated.

He said: "We could not begin the investigation into what happened because the matter was sub judice until the end of the trial.

"Now that has finished, we have begun the investigation and two officers have been removed from front-line duty pending the outcome."

Mr Jackson's solicitor Ivy Adams was not available for comment yesterday.