Five Royal Marines required hospital treatment when they were assaulted just hours before they were due to receive freedom of a town.

The Marines, aged between 20 and 35, were walking back to their accommodation having just left the nearby Coco Lounge when they were assaulted between 2.20am and 2.40am on Saturday October 5 by a number of men believed to be local to the area.

The five Marines were treated at Worthing Hospital for various facial injuries including one broken nose, bruising and cuts, and were discharged the same night after the incident in Church Street, Littlehampton.

Janet Goldsbrough-Jones, chairman of The Royal British Legion Worthing Branch said: “I’m absolutely appalled.

“I just don’t understand why anybody would want to attack those brave guys after all they do for our country.

“The only thing I can think of is that it would have been bravado.

“It’s the classic Wild West scenario of “I’m going to shoot you because I’ve heard you’re a hot-shot” – it’s disgraceful.”

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A 20-year-old man from Angmering was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and 22-year-old man from Littlehampton was arrested on suspicion of affray.

They were questioned and released on police bail until Friday 8 November while enquiries continue.

Littlehampton Mayor Joyce Bowyer said: “It’s very disappointing and I hope nobody was seriously injured.

“It’s the one black spot on an otherwise marvellous day.”

PC Hayley Noyes said; "We believe this incident followed an altercation in the Coco Lounge earlier in the evening.

“Anyone who saw what happened is asked to call us on 101 or email contact.centre@sussex. pnn.police.uk'quoting serial 0196 of 5/10.

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

It is understood the Marines were in Littlehampton for a ceremony to accept the freedom of the town on Saturday.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We are happy to let the police take the lead on finding out what went wrong and we will co-operate in any way we can with their investigation.”