A MAN who was blinded during a vicious attack outside a pub has spoken of how it has robbed him of a normal life with his children.

The 53-year-old had gone for a drink at the Carlisle pub in Pelham Street, Hastings and was was knocked to the ground and attacked when he stepped outside shortly before midnight.

Police said there was a large group of Hells Angels motorbikers at or outside the pub at the time and they want to speak to a man thought to be the president of the Sussex chapter.

The victim, who suffered extensive injuries to his face and has been warned he may never see again after the attack on Saturday, February 20, said: "At first I was in such a disfigured state that it would have scared my kids, and for the first two weeks they suffered quite badly with not being able to see me.

"For two weeks my daughter was in tears at school but once she saw me she cheered up because she realised how positive I was being in and the fact I could just make things out.

"She thought it was complete darkness, but it was not.

"I have been a hands-on dad, taking them out, doing things with them.

"Now I have a white stick and find going out to town very difficult, mostly because I cannot see around me and I get very apprehensive after what happened."

He urged anyone with information that might help bring attackers to justice would come forward, adding: "I realise that people might feel nervous about doing so but unless people do, these sorts of things will continue."

Detective Constable Stu Black echoed that appeal, adding: "We know there was a large group of Hells Angels and we are keen to talk to any of this group who might have seen something, particularly the president of the Sussex Chapter who might be called Matt.

"This was a heinous attack on a member of the public who just went to listen to some music in the local pub, and the community needs to pull together."

A 48-year-old man from St Leonards has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and bailed until June 19 while investigations continue.

If you have any information call Sussex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.