FOUR men and two boys were arrested after an unprovoked stabbing took place in a town centre busy with revellers.

The 22-year-old victim was out socialising with friends when he was attacked sometime between 2.45am and 3.30am on Saturday. 

The stabbing happened between the Cameo nightclub in Langney Road, Eastbourne, and near Eastbourne Pier in Marine Parade.

The male victim was treated at Eastbourne District General Hospital for a stab wound to his upper arm which required stitches.

A man aged 26, two men aged 20, a man aged 18 and two 14-year-old boys, all from Eastbourne, were arrested on suspicion of affray. After being interviewed they were released under investigation.

Detective constable Paul Kelly, of Sussex Police, said: "Eastbourne town centre was busy with people enjoying the pre-Christmas festivities and this appears to be an unprovoked attack.

"We are urging anyone who witnessed this incident to contact us."

Witnesses to the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning are asked to contact Sussex Police using the eform at sussex.police.uk/appealresponse or call 101, quoting serial 218 of December 23.

Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.