A GANG set a dog on a helpless man in an unprovoked attack.

The 46-year-old victim was sitting on a bench in a churchyard when three men and two women launched a ferocious attack, repeatedly hitting and kicking him.

One of the attackers then set his Staffordshire bull terrier dog on him, injuring his abdomen and leg in the St Mary de Haura Churchyard in Shoreham.

A spokeswoman said: “The victim was sitting on a bench between 8.55pm and 9.05pm when he was approached by three men and two women.

“They repeatedly hit and kicked him causing bruising, cuts and swelling to his face.

“One of the men had a brindle Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog that was encouraged to attack the victim, causing him a puncture wound on his abdomen and left ankle.”

PC Yvonne Daddow added: “This was an unprovoked attack.

“Please contact us if you have any information which could help us with our investigation.”

A 20-year-old man from Worthing has been arrested on suspicion of assault, attempting to wound with intent and for being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control that caused injury.

He was questioned and has been released on bail until Wednesday, August 5.

A 19-year-old woman from Shoreham has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

She was questioned and released on bail until Wednesday, August 5.

The attack happened on Tuesday, June 9, but police have now decided to release the information in the hope of finding witnesses.

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 633 of June 10.

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