A PUB-goer has told of the horrifying moment he was glassed in the head after confronting another drinker who he suspected could be thieving from his friend.

The 23-year-old needed eight stitches to his head after severing an artery in the attack at The Greenhouse Effect in Church Road, Hove.

He was grabbed and pushed to the floor during a night out of dancing and karaoke to celebrate a friend’s 21st birthday.

The victim, who did not wish to be named, said: “We were on the dance floor when we noticed a lady going into my friend's pocket, she did this a couple of times.

“She was with two men, so I spoke to one of them about what I had seen and asked him to have a word with their friend.

“At this point he grabbed me and pushed me to the floor and I was struck over the head with something. I was later told this was a glass.

"The glass hit an artery in my head and I was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital to be treated. Where I was hit I also got a bloody nose and swelling to my cheek.”

The attack happened on Saturday, March 1 but the victim is now appealing for the public’s help after detectives so far failed to find the attacker.

On Friday detectives released CCTV images of two people believed to have been involved, in hopes somebody might recognise them and get in touch.

The victim, from Portslade, added: “I have been back to the pub, where the staff have been so helpful.

“I really want to find out who did this and if anyone recognises these people in the CCTV, please talk to the police.

“It was a horrible experience that I wouldn't want anyone else to go through.”

Detective constable Jemma Paterson said: “We are hoping someone can name these two people seen on CCTV who are believed to have been involved.”

She added the suspect was a man, described as looking Spanish, slim build, in his 20s, with short black hair and wearing all black.

He was with a woman in her 40s, with long, messy hair.

Anyone who recognises them or has any information is asked to callt police on 101 quoting serial 1574 of March 1.