Traders have put up a £5,000 bounty to catch an attacker who left a popular Brighton caretaker with a fractured skull.

The money has been added to £10,000 already offered by Sussex Police for information leading to the conviction of whoever assaulted Phillip Gray, 54, in Brighton Square early on October 1.

Mr Gray remains in intensive care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital where his condition is "critical but stable".

The Lanes Traders Association and a number of local businesses, with whom Mr Gray had worked for more than 20 years, have contributed to the fund to express their horror at the attack.

Sue Addis, co-owner of Donatello restaurant and committee member of the LTA, said: "We all want to help and catch the person or persons responsible for this attack, which has shocked every shop, resident, and business in this area.

"Phillip Gray was a popular character in The Lanes. He was always friendly and willing to have a chat. When something like this happens we all want to do what we can.

"People have been shocked that someone can be attacked and savagely beaten while doing their early morning job."

Det Chief Insp Steve Dennis said: "We are grateful for the support local businesses have already given us, displaying appeal posters and sharing their CCTV footage with us.

"We hope this new reward offer will give us the extra help we need to solve this horrific crime."

Police want to hear from anyone who was in Brighton Square between 6.15am and 7.15am. Call 0845 6070999 and ask for the Operation Ignition incident room.

Alternatively, anyone with information can call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111.