All-night revellers were attacked outside a nightclub.

One clubber damaged the lens in his left eye when he was dragged to the floor and punched in the face.

Witnesses reported about four men kicking one victim as he lay on the ground.

The group of men set upon people leaving The Volks Tavern in Madeira Drive, Brighton, and tried to steal mobile phones and wallets.

Three people were assaulted in two attacks at about 5.30am on Saturday January 12.

Police believe up to 20 people may have been outside the club at the time because it had just closed.

They are urging witnesses to come forward.

One of the attackers is described as black, in his 20s, wearing dark clothing and speaking with a London accent.

He snatched a mobile phone from the hand of a clubber sitting outside the main entrance to The Volks, and took a handbag which he was looking after for a friend.

When the victim tried to resist he was pulled to the floor and punched, damaging his eye.

As he lay on the floor his pockets were searched and his wallet was stolen.

A female friend who tried to help him was also hit, giving her a large bump on the head.

Straight afterwards another man was attacked for his mobile phone. He was assaulted and had his pockets rifled but nothing was taken.

DC Fleur Jones of Brighton CID said: "It is horrific when people have gone on a night out and are merrily mingling at the end of the evening to be involved in a totally unprovoked attack for their possessions."

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Jones at Brighton CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.