A man suffered a fractured skull after being thrown over railings in an attack police say could have been racially motivated.

The victim, a black man aged 32, was attacked by three men on the promenade opposite the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton at 2.45am on Saturday. He fell 10ft on to the pavement and was knocked unconscious.

Inspector Steve Eldridge said: "We are keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack but we haven't ruled out a racial motive."

Just before the attack the victim was seen arguing with a woman.

Police are looking for three men, all believed to be white.

One was about 5ft 8in tall and stockily built with curly hair and a round face. He wore a black bomber jacket. Another was 6ft tall, slim and wore a cream sweatshirt.

Anyone with information should call Detective Sergeant O'Brien on 0845 6070999.