A man is in hospital under police guard after being hit by a car and then beaten up.

Police are hunting for two men believed to be responsible for the assault.

Officers were called to the scene in Pavilion Road, Worthing, at around 8.30pm on Friday.

A 21-year-old man from Essex had been hit by a car. Two men then got out of the car, attacked him and ran off.

When officers arrived at the scene they managed to find the victim and rush him to hospital. He had a broken ankle and several other minor injuries.

Last night he is understood to have remained in hospital. He is conscious but is still under police guard.

Officers cordoned off the road for several hours while they launched an investigation into the incident.

They have identified the two men they want to talk to and continued to make enquiries over the weekend.

It is understood the pair remain at large and had not been taken into custody last night.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 1319 of 27/01. Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.