A GROUP of teenagers broke both eye sockets of a man waving off his family at a railway station in St Leonards.

The defenceless 28-year-old was set upon by four people in the “vicious and apparently unprovoked attack” at Warrior Square Railway Station.

His helpless wife witnessed the entire ordeal on December 23 between 9.20 and 9.35pm.

Detective Sergeant Tony Web from East Sussex CID said: "This vicious and apparently unprovoked attack, was on a defenceless man accompanied by his family as they saw their friend off for the Christmas period.

“The victim's wife watched her husband being punched to the ground by the four suspects.”

Four teenage boys, a 15-year-old from Bexhill and a 14, 17 and 19-year-old all from Hastings, were arrested near to the scene on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and have been bailed until February 2013 pending further enquiries.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnesses the attack to call 101 quoting serial 1435 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.