A man was attacked in an unprovoked assault on the top deck of a bus.

Shop worker Mark Sharp was left with a footprint on his face after a sickening attack.

Mark, 24, was on his way home from visiting his girlfriend when the thug targeted him.

Police released the footage to The Argus yesterday in the hope that someone will name and shame the attacker.

He waited until Mr Sharp was alone on the top deck of the bus before repeatedly kicking him in the head and face.

The attack began with the suspect, aged 19 or 20, kicking his victim directly in the face as he sat at the back of the bus.

He continued stamping and kicking Mr Sharp in the head and body as he cowered in fear.

In one horrific three second sequence the suspect lifted himself up with the help of two supporting rails.

He then kicked Mr Sharpe twice in the head in quick succession before walking away and going downstairs.

Mr Sharp, of Valley Road, Portslade, needed hospital treatment after the attack.

He was left with a vivid red imprint of the sole of the thug's trainer on his face for days afterwards.

His ordeal left him afraid to travel alone on buses at night for several weeks.

However, he says he has now recovered and is determined not to let the attack ruin his life.

Mr Sharp said he was on his way home from seeing his girlfriend in Brighton.

He boarded the Number 1a bus outside the Gala bingo hall in Edward Street at 11.15pm.

He believes his attacker got on with or after a group of girls at Churchill Square.

Mr Sharp said: "I was sitting on the top of the bus talking to a few people when they got on.

"The girls went downstairs as we got to Hove town hall and I think they were talking to the driver.

"This bloke just came flying in with his feet at my head.

"He kept kicking me for a couple of minutes until the bus got to George Street.

"It left a mark on my face and left me feeling sick and dizzy.

"I collapsed a couple of hours later and had to go to hospital."

His mother, Susan Verrecchia, 43, said she was shocked when she saw what had happened to Mark.

She said: "It is terrible that someone can just be attacked on a bus like that for no reason.

"He was very shocked when it happened but he has got over it now."

PC Dave Muddle said he wants to hear from anyone who knows who Mr Sharp's attacker is.

He said: "This was an unprovoked attack and the images from the CCTV cameras are horrific.

"The suspect is black, aged about 19 with short black hair and is about 5ft 5ins tall.

"He appeared to be with the group of girls that got on the bus at Churchill Square.

"He stayed on the top deck when they either went downstairs or got off."

Anyone with information about the attack, which happened on April 7, should phone PC Muddle at Hove CID on 0845 6070999.