Two men seriously assaulted a man then stole his dog as he walked it at Dukes Mound in Brighton.

The attack happened in the late afternoon on Thursday, March 27 when the 30-year-old man was walking his Staffordshire bull terrier, called Red. 

Police today launched an appeal to catch the two men, and would also like to speak to a woman who was with them. 

The stolen dog is dark brown, with a white chest and one white toe on one of his back feet. He wears a black leather studded collar.

The first suspect is described as mixed race, aged late 30s to early 40s, 5ft 9in, of medium build with long black hair. He was wearing a dark grey hooded top, a black leather coat, with blue jeans and a black woolly hat.

The second suspect is mixed race, aged 30, 5ft 9in, of medium build with short black hair. He was wearing a black jacket with blue jeans.

The woman is of mixed race and medium build, with black shoulder length hair tied into a ponytail. She was wearing blue jeans and a black coat.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the suspects is asked to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1164 of 27/03.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.