A pedestrian was left with serious head injuries after he was knocked down by a car, then beaten about the head with an iron bar by its occupants.

The 28-year-old victim was walking along Railway Approach, Worthing, when he was clipped by a black Ford Escort just before midnight on Sunday.

The impact knocked him down but he was not seriously hurt and began to walk away.

Within minutes, the Escort reappeared with two men inside.

One got out, armed with an iron bar which he used to assault the man.

The man was taken to hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.