A schoolboy is trying to find a woman who came to his rescue when he was punched in the face and then kicked while he lay on the ground.

Police have been unable to find the drunken attacker who set upon Scott Humphrey, 15, of Southdown Road, Portslade, and his school friend Shaun Colfer.

The burly attacker, who was in his forties, grabbed Scott and Shaun in headlocks and cracked their skulls together. The stocky bully then punched Scott in the face knocking him to the ground before kicking him as he lay on the floor.

Now officers are struggling to find any leads to trace his attacker and they are desperately appealing for the female witness to get in touch.

Scott described the kindly passer-by as about 5ft 2in tall, with long brown hair and brown eyes.

His attacker was white, 6ft and stocky, wearing a black jacket featuring the Liverpool FC crest.

Anyone who thinks they know the identity of the good Samaritan or the attacker from the November 9 incident in Portland Road should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.