A Falklands War veteran who was beaten by thugs after trying to stop a nightclub fight said today: "I thought I was going to die."

Former Royal Marine Mark Smith, 39, was in Rutherfords nightclub on Worthing Pier when the violence started.

Mr Smith, who lives in Worthing, tried to break up the fracas but was set upon by at least three men who stamped on his head and kicked his front teeth out.

He also suffered a broken wrist trying to parry the blows, severe bruising to the head, neck and back, concussion and damage to his left eye.

He will now undergo neurological tests for possible brain injuries.

Mr Smith said: "I was taking a drink to my girlfriend when I saw a fight with one bloke on top of another.

"I grabbed hold of one of the people involved, trying to pull him off the other guy, but I was grabbed from behind.

"I was saying, 'I'm trying to break it up', but I was put to the floor and they kicked me in the head and stamped on me.

"I was going in and out of consciousness. I actually thought my time had come.

"Luckily, the Rutherfords door staff arrived. It was the most cowardly attack. There was no way I could defend myself. Now I will have to spend my 40th birthday in this state."

The club was packed at the time and police are anxious to talk to witnesses.

PC Adam McBrown said: "When I first saw him, his face was very swollen and it wasn't a pretty sight. Nothing justifies doing that to him."

Anyone with information should call PC McBrown at Worthing police station on 0845 6070999.