A teenager hit over the head with an iron bar has undergone surgery to his wounds.

The 18-year-old, who has not yet been named, suffered serious head injuries in the attack outside Worthing Bowl on Friday night.

He was taken to Worthing Hospital but transferred to another hospital in Essex on Saturday night in preparation for his operation yesterday.

His condition was last night described as critical but stable.

Police are appealing for information about the assault, which took place between 9pm and 9.30pm in Marine Parade at the junction with Augusta Place.

They also issued an appeal for witnesses to an earlier fracas involving the teenager and a small group of youths outside River Island in Worthing town centre.

Police arrested and bailed three teenagers for GBH with intent over the weekend and are urging witnesses to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Pete Yarrow, of Worthing CID, said: "There were a number of youths in the town that night who may have information about this assault or an earlier fracas. I urge them to come forward with any information they may have."

He said it was too early to say whether there was a particular motive behind the attack or if it was the result of an alcohol-fuelled night out that became violent.

Worthing Bowl deputy manager Steve Simpson said the bowling alley had never had any problems with violence and staff members were shocked by the attack because the area was normally quiet.

He said: "I was alerted to what was happening by security staff and called the emergency services.

"The security men went out with a medical kit to try to help but realised the teenager's injuries were much more serious than they could deal with and some of the other youths were very hostile so they came back."

He said the bowling alley opened as normal on Saturday morning despite an earlier police cordon to preserve the scene for forensics experts.

He reassured people that violence was not tolerated within the bowling alley.

He said: "That's why we employ security staff, so it's a safe and fun place for families to come."

Worthing district commander chief inspector Jason Taylor said: "While I acknowledge the seriousness of this offence it stands against a significant reduction in violent crime in the town. I am focusing police resources on investigating this incident and bringing the offenders to justice."

Anyone with any information can contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or call the free and confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.