A BUS passenger was punched in the face and kicked in the head after intervening in a row over face masks.

Police received reports of the "nasty attack" following abuse being directed towards other passengers on the bus from Chichester to Pagham on September 21.

It was reported that a man was being abusive towards a school girl on board.

A 63-year-old man intervened in a bid to draw away the abusive man's attention.

The Argus:

But then as he got off the bus outside The Lamb Inn pub in at 4.30pm, he was attacked.

He was punched in the face and kicked in the head when he fell down.

A suspect then walked off.

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The victim was treated for his injuries at St Richards Hospital in Chichester.

Now police have released a photo of a man they want to trace.

The Argus:

He is a muscular or slim white man, about 6ft tall, with a big nose. Police say he has short hair and was clean shaven, wearing a light-coloured top and light coloured trousers.

PC Tom Fisk said: "This was a nasty and unprovoked attack on a bus passenger simply supporting fellow passengers.

"We think people will recognise this suspect so if you can help please contact us."

Information can be reported to Sussex Police either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1126 of 21/09.

You can keep informed of crime reports by joining our Facebook group here: Sussex crime and court watch