TWO thugs attacked a man with a gun and a knife before fleeing the scene in a black Range Rover.

Armed police rushed to the scene of the assault as a gunshot was heard by people in the area.

Officers found the victim but are still on the hunt for the two suspects.

Shortly after 2.30pm police responded to a call of a man being attacked by men armed with a handgun and a knife.

The force received reports that a gunshot had been heard by people in the area - the junction of St Peter's Road and Chapel Park Road in St Leonards.

The victim had been able to run away from the scene into a nearby house and was found by police having susained minor injuries in the attack.

Meanwhile the assailants escaped in a black Range Rover, or similar vehicle, and were seen speeding away on the A21 Bohemia Road.

Police launched a search for the suspects and their car, and reassured people in the area that "there is no current risk to their safety".

Detective inspector Jon Gillings said: "This is a serious but isolated incident for the area.

"We are following active lines of enquiry and an intensive investigation is under way to establish what happened.

"At this stage, it does not appear to be a random attack." 

Sussex Police have released descriptions of the men and are appealing for help in finding them.

A spokesman said: "Both men are white, 6ft tall and of slim build.

"One was wearing a grey hooded jacket, grey trousers and a black baseball cap.

"The other was dressed in an all-black tracksuit.

"Anyone who saw or heard what happened, who saw the suspect car, or who may have relevant dash-cam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact police online or by phoning 101, quoting Operation Kempsey.

"Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."