A MAN has been charged with violently attacking three people, leaving them with broken bones during an aggravated burglary. 

Lee Witts, 46, is accused of forcing his way into a house in Lower Bevendean Avenue, Brighton, on March 5 at around 6.25pm. 

All three occupants – two men and a woman – were assaulted, causing serious injuries including broken bones and, in one instance, being knocked unconscious.

The woman’s purse and mobile phone were stolen in the attack, before two men fled the scene.

One of the victims managed to escape to a nearby convenience store, where they were able to call police.

Officers attended and following an investigation Witts was identified.

Witts, from Aberdeenshire, was arrested 12 hours after the incident, charged and at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 8 was remanded in custody pending a hearing on April 5.

A second man – a 25-year-old from Brighton – was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary on Wednesday, March 9 and remains in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Rob Lewis said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victims, who all suffered serious physical and emotional trauma from what was a sustained assault.

“I would like to thank them for their support in helping to identify and arrest two suspects within such a short space of time.

“We are pleased to have been able to bring charges in this instance and await the outcome of court proceedings.”