Man attacked in St James’s Street, Brighton

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses to an unprovoked attack that left a 50-year-old man with a fractured eye socket.

The victim was walking in St James’s Street, Brighton, at about 2am on Friday (8 August) when he was approached by a man who asked him for a cigarette.

Without warning, the attacker then punched the victim and ran off along St James’s Street.

The attacker was white, about 30 and 5′ 6″ with scruffy brown hair.

LGBT Liaison officer, PC Rich Bridger, said: “There is nothing to suggest this is a homophobic attack, and it is not being treated as one. Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Melanie Wauchope at Brighton Police Station, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 561 of 11/08, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Detective Constable Melanie Wauchope said: “This was a nasty attack in an area of the city that could have had quite a few people in it at that time on Friday night.

“I need to speak to anyone who saw the attack or the man running away. Any information at all that you have could be useful so please contact us.”