A MAN has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm after a student was attacked near a nightclub.  

Just after 7am on Sunday, the 19-year-old student from Brighton, was attacked on the Lower Esplanade near to the city's Arch nightclub. 

The victim was knocked unconscious during the attack and needed emergency surgery for a serious head injury at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

He is still in hospital where his condition is being monitored.

Endri Toska, 25, unemployed, of Dyke Road, Brighton, appeared in custody at Brighton Magistrates' Court today charged with causing grievous bodily harm, with two counts of assault by beating, and with possessing a false driving licence.

The assault by beating charges relate to alleged assaults, which resulted in no injury, on a 19-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man who were also present at the location of the alleged attack.

Toska was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on February 14.

The incident is thought to have followed an altercation which took place in the Hub nightclub a few minutes earlier as the premises was about to close. 

Police are still appealing for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Jason Hazzard said: “This incident has left the victim with potentially life changing injuries, though thankfully his condition is improving as a result of the hospital care he has received.

"A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

"We still seek to speak to anyone who has any information about this incident or the surrounding circumstances.

"You can contact us online or by calling 101, quoting serial 232 of 14/01.

"Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."