An investigation into the actions of two police officers who allegedly used excessive force against a group of stag night revellers will take up to four months.

The probe into the behaviour of Brighton-based constables Darren Egan and David Lovett is being carried out by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

The PCA will decide whether the pair should face further action.

PCs Egan and Lovett were among officers sent to deal with clashes between the stag night group from Crawley and doorstaff at the Honeyclub on Brighton seafront in March, 2001.

Ian Jackson, Wayne Howell, Simon Grimmer and Robert Cohen were all cleared of violent disorder after a series of trials, which cost more than £1 million.

Judge David Rennie called for an independent investigation into the behaviour of some of the officers involved.

During the trial, the jury was shown footage from police surveillance cameras of the incident outside the club.

The investigation will recommend whether the officers should face criminal charges, whether the incident should be dealt with by Sussex Police as a disciplinary matter, or that no further action should be taken.