Knife-wielding car-jackers attacked a driver and beat him in the street.

The gang dragged the 20-year-old out of his car and drove off with it early on Sunday morning.

The car was later found nearby and three men were arrested.

Police described the robbery as “opportunist” and said the attackers first asked for cash before taking the car.

The victim was sitting with his 18-year-old girlfriend in the purple Ford Fiesta in Sidehill Drive, Portslade, at about 12.05am.

A group of men opened the door and demanded cash.

When he refused to hand any over he was threatened with a knife, then punched repeatedly in the face.

Detective Constable Amanda Payne, of Brighton and Hove CID, said the victim’s girlfriend, who was unhurt in the incident, “was very scared.”

She added: “He was quite badly beaten up.

“He could have ended up with much worse injuries.”

The driver needed treatment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital but was not seriously injured.

Sussex Police said they found the car nearby shortly after the robbery.

They declined to confirm where it was found.

They arrested three local men, two aged 19 and one aged 22, on suspicion of robbery.

They have been released on bail without charge until May 3.

Officers have searched their homes and are carrying out forensic tests on the Fiesta.

Detective Inspector Bill Warner said: “This was an opportunist attack.

“I don’t think that sort of crime will be prevalent in Brighton.

“It is very rare.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting serial 5 of March 3, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.