HOVE businessman Matthew O'Keefe is offering a £500 reward after two thugs attacked him with a beer bottle.

The 23-year-old director of Coral Buildings Services was assaulted as he walked home from a flat in Palmeira Square late last Friday night. He was smashed over the head with an empty beer bottle, before being punched and kicked between the legs. The attackers fled leaving Mr O'Keefe with a severely-bleeding gash at the back of his head, and bruising to his body and temple. After being aided by three witnesses, he was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital by ambulance. Now Mr O'Keefe is offering £500 to anyone who can seal the attackers' arrest. He said: "I was concussed and there was blood all over me, covering my shirt and jacket. "I didn't know these people at all, so it was totally unprovoked. I want them caught." Both attackers were about 16 to 20. One was 5ft 9in, medium build, with collar-length, curly mousey-blond hair, and wore a red puffer-style jacket, jeans and trainers. The other was about 5ft 7in, medium build, with short, cropped dark hair. He wore a dark blue or black waist-length jacket with collar. Brighton police spokeswoman Carolyn Bond said: "We condemn this unprovoked attack and would appeal to witnesses to come forward." Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Hove police station on 01273 778922.

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