POLICE want to find a person who took a picture of a brawl in which a man was stabbed outside a troubled pub.

Officers were called after as many as 20 men were involved in the violence in Montpelier Place, Brighton.

A 40-year-old man was stabbed and suffered serious injuries near The Montpelier Inn pub.

He was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital after the incident on November 4 at 10.15pm.

Police say he is recovering at home after a lengthy spell in hospital, and still needs extensive care.

The Argus: The scene after the incident in Montpelier Place, BrightonThe scene after the incident in Montpelier Place, Brighton

Now detectives want to find the person who took a photograph of the incident, and a black man with dreadlocks seen in the image wearing a tan coloured shoulder bag.

Detective Inspector James Ansell said: “There were a large number of people in the area when this incident occurred, and we’re confident someone can provide vital information about what happened.

“This image was provided to us by a third party and has since been deleted from social media. If you took the picture, or if you can help us identify the man with the shoulder bag, please come forward.”

The shocking violence has already led to the arrest of six men held on suspicion of attempted murder, including four 18-year-olds, a 19-year-old, and a 57-year-old, all from Brighton and Hove. They were released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

The Argus: Police set up a cordon in Montpelier Place, BrightonPolice set up a cordon in Montpelier Place, Brighton

Previously, The Argus reported on how council licensing officials raised concerns about The Montpelier Inn.

The council ordered the pub to shut for three months following the incident, the final night before the last lockdown.

Police told a council meeting drugs were found at the premises and bags with class A drugs were found in drip trays under beer pumps. There were also “deal lists” and drugs paraphernalia such as scales found there.

During a five-hour meeting, the council “seriously considered revocation of the licence”.

The Argus: The scene in Montpelier Place, BrightonThe scene in Montpelier Place, Brighton

The council panel said there had been a “complete failure of management” and said “local residents have experienced serious public nuisance and crime and disorder emanating from the premises”.

But the pub now has new management.

Anyone with information should call 101 or report to Sussex Police online quoting Operation Moorcroft.