Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was beaten up in Brighton.
The victim, an 18-year-old man from the area, was walking towards Old Steine down Edward Street at around 9pm on Wednesday 1 April.
As he was crossing William Street by the law courts he asked a man for a light for his cigarette. They talked briefly before the victim carried on walking.
He was then attacked from behind by the man he had spoken to. He was hit on the back of the head which sent him falling to the floor.
He was then kicked repeatedly before the man cut him across the nose with what was believed to be a knife.
Detective Sergeant Emma Vickers said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which left the victim with injuries to his head and extremely distressed.
“He has described his attacker as a skinny white man, around 35, with short blond hair shaved at the sides, with blond stubble and moustache. He was wearing skinny jeans, black trainers and a black coat.”
Anyone who saw what happened or who has any information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
