A man was stabbed as he walked to work.

The 39-year-old was walking in Plaistow Close when he was approached from behind by a man who struck him repeatedly in the side and then ran off at about 5.45am on Monday.

The 39-year-old fell to the ground and at first believed he had been punched but then realised he was bleeding from the wound.

The victim was treated in hospital for minor wounds to his side before being released.

The attacker was Asian, in his late teens or early 20s and slim.

Police said he had had black hair and “sucked in cheeks”.

He was wearing a black hooded top, black skinny jeans and white trainers.

PC Aaron Halsey said: "This was a nasty attack in the middle of a residential area so people may have seen or heard it happen as they got up or prepared to go to work themselves.

"If you were in the area and know anything about what happened, please contact us."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 148 of 28/4, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.