A teenager is in hospital with a fractured skull after two gangs of youths clashed in the city centre.

Two males, aged 15 and 18, will appear in Brighton Youth Court today after the attack in Oxford Street.

But police are still appealing for witnesses to the trouble in which two young men fought with a group of five other men aged between 16 and 18.

One of the youths was left suffering a fit on the ground after he was assaulted.

He was taken by paramedics to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with a suspected compound fracture of the skull.

Officers said he was in a stable condition yesterday following an operation.

The fight took place on Tuesday at 2.30pm after the two gangs exchanged words in nearby London Road.

The two males followed the five into Oxford Street before beating the 18-year-old to the ground and escaping.

Detective Sergeant Laurence Cartwright, of Sussex Police, said: "It was a very serious assault which has had fairly serious consequences for this young man and a huge impact on his family.

"It was the sort of assault that could easily have resulted in his death and we are treating it with the upmost seriousness.

"We're still appealing for independent witnesses. It was in Oxford street at a busy time of day.

"It would be really helpful if anyone could come forward because you'd have thought loads of people would have seen it."

Police are asking witnesses to call 0845 6070999 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.