A footballer was chased by an angry mob after he allegedly bit another player's ear off.

He fled to a nearby shop and begged newsagent Theresa Booker to lock the door and call the police.

He hid inside with a man, believed to be his father, until two patrol cars arrived.

The incident allegedly happened during a game on fields off Middle Road, Shoreham, on Sunday.

Police were told that a footballer, who has not been named, had a large part of his ear bitten off after a dispute with a member of the opposing team.

Angry spectators ran onto the pitch to intervene and the aggressor, in his early 20s, fled from the fields, reportedly followed by his father.

Both were chased to Chox Newsagents in nearby Stoney Lane. Owner Mrs Booker, 50, said: "They burst in and slammed the door shut so hard it broke the chain we use to keep it open.

"They told me to call the police because they were being attacked by a gang that was starting to gather outside."

PC John Worth, of Shoreham police, said: "We were called to playing fields after claims that a man had been assaulted.

"We were told his ear had been bitten off and that two men had been chased to a shop."

No one has been arrested in connection with the incident, although a man has been questioned.

PC Worth confirmed inquiries were ongoing and appealed for witnesses to contact the police on 0845 6070999.