A man had his jaw broken and his girlfriend hit in the face with a belt during a late-night attack in Brighton.

The pair were attacked as they walked past the UMI hotel in Kings Road at around 3.30am on Sunday, February 8.

There was an exchange of words with two passersby in their early 20s, both men, one of whom suddenly struck the 19-year-old man in the face.

When his girlfriend, 18, tried to intervene, the same man took off his belt and hit her with it, bruising her face.

A security guard from the hotel helped them inside to safety before they were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, for treatment.

The assailant and his friend ran off up Kings Road and into Middle Street, pursued by some of the victims' friends who had been walking ahead of the couple, but were lost to view down an alleyway Detective Constable Aaron Halsey, from Brighton CID, said: "This was a nasty assault on two young people who had been enjoying a night out with friends.

"Anyone who saw what happened, or who may have other information that could help identify the suspect, is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 211 of February 8.

"If they would prefer not to leave their name, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."