A £5,000 reward has been offered after a man suffered serious head injuries after a beating.

Bernie Spencer's employer has put up the cash for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attackers.

Paul Crowther, managing director of Atlantic Marine sales and charter in Basin Road North, Portslade, where Mr Spencer worked, said: "Bernie has been a cook with us for ten years and he is one of the nicest men you could meet.

"I saw the blood and mess at the scene. There are bruises and marks all over Bernie - it looks like he has been given a real kicking.

"Bernie only weighs about seven stone and he is just 5ft 1in. What happened to him is disgusting."

Members of the public found Mr Spencer, 56, lying unconscious and bloodied in Basin Road North, Portslade, close to his home at 5.30am on Saturday. He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, and later to London's Atkinson Morley Hospital which specialises in head injuries.

Now back in a local hospital, Mr Spencer is able to speak but cannot remember what happened to him. His condition remains serious but stable.

Mr Crowther, who runs a sales and shipping business, said Mr Spencer worked as a cook on board ships and sometimes in the canteen of Marine House, used by people working for several companies in the area.

He said: "About 200 people use the canteen and everyone is shattered by the news."

Detective Inspector Peter Laverick, heading Operation Grapnel, said: "We are hoping Mr Spencer's memory will improve.

"At this time we are treating the incident as a crime and we are assuming Mr Spencer was attacked but we are keeping an open mind."

Police are trying to trace a man seen at 3.30am in the area where Mr Spencer was found. He is 30 to 40 with short, fair hair and a red face. He was wearing a red jacket and jumper.

Police are also trying to trace Mr Spencer's girlfriend.

Anyone with information should contact Brighton and Hove CID on 0845 6070999.