A FIREFIGHTER was attacked by a thug while on duty.

The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service worker is believed to have been struck with bolt croppers at Tesco in Littlehampton on Monday.

He is said to be in a high dependency unit in hospital.

A West Sussex County Council statement said: “We can confirm that one of our firefighters was assaulted in Littlehampton on Monday night.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time and we wish him a speedy recovery.

"We are absolutely appalled by this incident, and Sussex Police are currently investigating.”

Sussex Police have been contacted for comment.