A father-to-be was brutally attacked in a residential street while delivering a Chinese takeaway.

Mario Ghali, from Hollingbury in Brighton, was on the second day of his new job as a takeaway delivery driver.

The Argus: Mario Ghali, 35, is a father-to-beMario Ghali, 35, is a father-to-be (Image: Mario Ghali)

The 35-year-old was delivering food to a house in Kingsmere, Preston Park, at around 8pm on January 22 when someone ran out in front of his car.

He beeped his horn to alert them and then parked to take the food to the front door. 

Mario then realised a man was running up to him.

Mario's friend Emmanuel, who did not wish to give his full name, told The Argus: "Mario realised the man was running up to him and, having worked as a security guard for many years, restrained him to prevent either of them being injured. 

"He let go of the man and walked back to the car to return the food and call the owner of the restaurant, but the man ran up to him again."

At this point, onlookers called the police.

The man then tripped Mario up and repeatedly kicked and punched him. 

The Argus: Mario was rushed to hospitalMario was rushed to hospital (Image: Mario Ghali)

In mobile phone footage from the incident, it appeared Mario was unconscious while the man continued to attack him. 

"I'm surprised he hasn't got brain damage," said Emmanuel.

Mario was taken to hospital where it was discovered that his jaw was broken in several places. His nose was also broken.

He has undergone two operations since the attack. He was briefly discharged from Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead after the first but had to return for a second.

In the first operation he had two bolts to the jaw and metal plates on either side of his shattered nose. 

The Argus: Mario's face is swollen after undergoing surgery on his faceMario's face is swollen after undergoing surgery on his face (Image: Mario Ghali)

Mario's wife is due to give birth to their first child on February 12, and Emmanuel is now raising money for the couple as Mario will be out of work "for at least a couple of months".

The crowdfunder, set up on the website GoFundMe, has already reached £3,000.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Police were called to a report of an altercation in Kingsmere, Brighton, at about 8pm on January 22.

"A 35-year-old man sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

"Officers attended and arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He has been bailed, pending further enquiries.

"Witnesses or anyone with relevant information or CCTV of the incident should report it to Sussex Police online or call 101 and quote serial 1108 of 21/01."