A motorist from Eastbourne was chased by a gang of thugs who smashed his car windscreen before attacking him with a broken bottle.

The 24-year-old was set upon by a group of five teenagers as he waited near Eastbourne pier at 12.30am on Sunday.

He ran to his car and, when his friend arrived, drove away.

Ten minutes later a bottle was hurled at his car, smashing his windscreen, as he drove along Marine Parade.

He got out and was attacked by a gang of ten youths who thrust a broken bottle into his face before punching and kicking him. His friend was also assaulted.

Both were taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital.

A police spokesman said: "This was a terrifying incident for the victim and his friend. It happened in the early hours of Sunday when people would have been leaving the pier and town centre following an evening out.

"The streets of Eastbourne are generally very safe and we want to make sure people continue to feel secure by bringing these people to justice."

Police want to speak to a white teenager aged between 17 and 19, who has short cropped hair and was wearing a blue short sleeved T-shirt with white shoulders.

They also want to talk to a male, aged between 17 and 20, who was wearing a beige jacket with a blue checked shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Eastbourne police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.