Arrests have been made after attackers sliced open a man's nose with a knife and stabbed him in the throat.
The victim, in his late 20s, was attacked in Sutherland Road, Brighton, in an incident reminiscent of a scene from the Jack Nicholson movie Chinatown.
The attackers then stole his Lexus car, registration W599 KFG.
Police believe a firearm was also used, although no shots were fired.
Sixty officers were involved in raids in relation to the attack at 6am yesterday.
Three men in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of robbery and wounding with intent at properties in Woodingdean, Whitehawk and Hollingdean.
DI Paul Fulwood said: "This was a very serious assault which may well have been life-threatening. The criminal use of firearms will always be treated as a priority."
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