Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were attacked by a gang of boys in Hastings.

The 20-year-old victims, from Bexhill, were attacked in Harold Road, Hastings, by the gang at about 4am on Saturday (19 April).

They were punched and kicked, with one of them being kicked in the head. One of the men flagged down a passing patrol car after the assault.

A group of boys nearby ran off when the patrol car stopped. One was caught by a PC who chased them. Officers later arrested another four boys as they searched the area.

A 14-year-old boy from St Leonards and two boys aged 16 from Hastings were arrested on suspicion of assault. They were questioned before being released on bail until 30 April while officers carry out further inquiries.

A 16-year-old boy from St Leonards and a 15-year-old boy from Hastings were also arrested on suspicion of assault. They were questioned before being released on bail until 14 May.

PC Aydin Misiri said: "I need to speak to anyone who was near Hastings seafront in the early hours of Saturday morning and saw the attack happening.

"Hastings was very busy on Saturday so hopefully there are some people who saw the attack or could identify the boys involved."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 226 of 18/4, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.