A BUS driver needed stitching to his face after a passenger attacked him.

The man tried to get on the number six bus opposite Waitrose in Western Road, Hove, without paying for a ticket.

The driver, in his fifties, challenged him and was punched in the face, leaving him with a deep cut to the inside of his right eye, heavy bruising and swelling.

It is believed the attacker was drunk at the time of the incident, which happened at around 11.35pm on January 17.

He was carrying a bottle, and may have come from a party nearby.

After the attack, the man got off the bus and went in a westerly direction along Western Road.

PC Matt Smith, investigating for Sussex Police, said: “The victim, a driver for Brighton and Hove Buses, was just doing his job when he was subjected to this unprovoked and violent attack.

“It has left him with a nasty injury and badly shaken, such that he has yet to return to work.”

The attacker is white, aged around 25, 6ft and of medium build with short brown hair.

He was wearing a suit style jacket, white shirt and dark trousers.

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 1356 of 17/1. They can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.