A man is in a coma after a late-night town centre beating.

The 20-year-old was attacked by a group of men in Worthing's Montague Centre at about 1.30am today.

The gang fled when police patrolling the town centre spotted the attack.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The victim, from Worthing, was taken to intensive care at Worthing Hospital where he remained in a coma this afternoon.

Police described his condition as stable.

Part of the shopping centre between McDonalds and Waterstone's was cordoned off this morning as forensics teams searched for evidence.

Anybody who witnessed the attack or has any other information is asked to call Worthing CID on 0845 60 70 999 ext 81426 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.