A man was knocked unconscious and another suffered a broken nose in an unprovoked attack.

The pair was outside Brighton’s Palace Pier on Saturday night when they were set upon by two men with Irish accents.

Police are appealing for information following the brutal assault which happened at around 11pm.

The men, both from Essex, were at the top of the stairs next to the cafe on the west side of the pier when they were approached.

One of them, a 37 year-old, was knocked unconscious and sustained a broken jaw.

The other, 45, was left with a broken nose.

Both were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital and discharged the following day.

They described their attackers as white and speaking with Irish accents.

PC James Botting said: "At present this appears to have been an unprovoked attack. If you were neat the pier late on Saturday night and saw what happened please contact us via 101 or email101@sussex.pnn.police.ukquoting serial 1735 of 12/7.

“You can call also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."