A MAN is in a critical condition after being attacked with a wooden mallet at a barbecue.

The 28-year-old victim sustained a serious head injuries when he was assaulted following the gathering in Wallis Avenue, Eastbourne.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where he remains in a critical condition.

The attack took place on Sunday (July 24) at around 9.20pm.

Sussex Police officers have arrested his alleged assailant.

Dean Sadler, 27, a chef, from Turners Mead, Godalming, Surrey, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, wounding with intent and criminal damage to a garden fence.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 26) and was released on bail to appear at Lewes Crown Court next month.