A bus driver suffered a broken nose after being punched by a drunken boy.

The 55-year-old was attacked after refusing to let the youth board his Eastbourne Buses bus in Seaside.

He also suffered facial bruising in the assault, which happened at the junction of Winchelsea Road.

Police said the youngster was about 12 or 13 years old.

They said he had spiky hair, was of slight built and wore a blue shirt, white jacket and dark jeans.

Two teenagers were arrested shortly after the incident.

Both have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Union officials said violence against bus drivers in Eastbourne was becoming an almost weekly occurrence.

Paul Bouch, the Eastbourne-based regional industrial organiser for the T&G union, said today: "It's definitely a worry. Drivers have said that in years gone by, violence against them was extremely rare but that it is now on the rise.

"Drivers are being spat at, attacked and have stones thrown at their buses.

"It's terrible that Eastbourne is going in that direction."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Eastbourne police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.