A 31-year-old man needed stitches after being hit with a bottle near the seafront in Brighton.
Sussex Police said: “The victim, who lives locally, had just left a night club along the Lower Esplanade at around 5am on Saturday 10 October when he was approached by four men as he walked along Madeira Drive.
“One of the men engaged the victim in conversation about his watch before he was hit twice in the head with a bottle and punched, suffering a number of cuts which required stitches.
“The victim then punched one of the men before running off.
“One of the suspects is described as white, in his late twenties, 5ft 7in, of stocky build with short brown hair. He was wearing a navy blue jumper with dark blue jeans and black trainers.
“The second man was white, in his early twenties, 5ft 9in, of skinny build with short brown hair. He was wearing a dark green woollen jumper and dark trousers.
“The third man was white, in his early twenties, 5ft 9in of slim build. He was seen wearing a red V neck jumper.
“The fourth man was white, of similar age to the other men but shorter.
“The men are believed to have Mancunian accents.”
Detective Sergeant Cheryl Lewendon said: “This was a violent attack which left the victim requiring hospital treatment and we would like to speak with anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area.”
Witnesses are asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
