Police investigating an attack on a schoolboy which left him with brain damage have appealed for more information.

The 15-year-old boy from Hastings has been under intensive care since Friday following the incident during the Old Town Carnival.

The teenager is undergoing treatment at a specialist head injuries unit at Hurstwood Park Hospital, Haywards Heath, where he has been joined by his family.

He was today said to be in a critical and unstable condition.

Police today revealed they are trying to trace a weapon thought to have been used in the attack.

Det Con John Stalley, of Hastings CID, said: "We are hoping to find a piece of metal tubing that has black ends.

"We believe it may have been a part from a vacuum cleaner.

"We are also anxious to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack who may have seen something that can help us."

The incident happened at around 10.20pm on Friday. It was one of the busiest nights of the year in Hastings because of the annual carnival which saw thousands take to the streets.

The victim, who has not been named, had been walking with a friend.

A man was yesterday remanded in custody in relation to the incident.

Joseph Lee Hague, 20, of Farley Bank is charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He will appear before Hastings magistrates again on Friday.