A couple in their forties were attacked in the centre of Brighton at the weekend in front of their son and his girlfriend.
They had left a party and were walking along Queen’s Road in the early hours of Saturday morning (11 August) when a man tried to steal the woman’s handbag.
A group of people near by shouted abuse at the women, before turning on her husband, punching him and kicking him to the ground.
They attacked the mother and son too.
Detective Constable Edward Smith said: “Nothing was taken but it was an extremely traumatic assault for all involved but especially for the son who saw his parents attacked in front of him.
“There were people around at the time of the assault who might have seen what happened and we are appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Three people have been arrested for attempted robbery. A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl from Brighton and a 16-year-old girl from Manchester have all been bailed until Friday 5 October.
