The Police Complaints Authority will investigate the case of a man who claims he was brutalised by Sussex officers.

Michael Smith, of West Hill, Hastings, claims Sussex Police officers hit him around the body and face 17 times after they were called to a fight in Hastings town centre.

Mr Smith, 44, was arrested and charged with assault and threatening behaviour but three days later he was cleared of the allegations at Hastings Magistrates Court.

The father of one watched CCTV footage shot at the time of the incident and claims police lost control and used unnecessary force to arrest him.

His allegations are to be investigated by the PCA based in London.

A spokesman for the PCA said: "The matter has been referred to us and we will now be looking into the circumstances around this. A member of the PCA will oversee the investigation and a decision will be taken once the investigation is finished."

The process could take several months and files from the case will be given to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide if criminal proceedings should go ahead against any policeman considered to have used unnecessary force.

Mr White said: "There is a whole list of things that were wrong. I want the answers and I am not going to let it drop.

"I am still scarred and have not got the use in my left arm. I am under a psychiatrist and learning to accept that it has happened.

"I thought it was going to be over when I was found not guilty but it's getting to the point where I am being questioned about something I know is true."

The incident took place on July 1 in the early evening and Mr Smith said he was left with 50 per cent movement in his hand and a scarred leg.

He gave up his job at the Adelphi Hotel, Hastings, where he worked with asylum seekers.