A man suffered serious injuries when he was brutally attacked outside a pub.

The victim, who is in his late 30s, was left bloodied and unconscious after a fight near The Bevendean pub in Hillside, Moulsecoomb, Brighton.

Neighbours said they believed trouble began in the pub and spilled out into the road at about 1am yesterday.

The victim was last night still being treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton after suffering head wounds including a broken nose and injuries to his neck.

A tell-tale patch of blood yesterday still stained the pavement outside David Walker's house - just yards from the pub.

Mr Walker, 39, said: "The first I knew about it there were about 20 people outside shouting at each other.

"I saw the guy on the floor. He was a big bloke as well so they must have hit him with some force.

"The police were later outside in my garden. It looked like they were searching the bushes for a weapon.

"The ambulance was there for a long time as well.

"It looked like he was badly hurt."

Police were yesterday making door-to-door enquires in Hillside and neighbouring Widdicombe Way.

Officers also visited the pub to interview the landlord and staff.

Eyewitnesses said the victim is known as Pugsy and was a regular in the pub.

The majority of residents said they were not surprised at the violence.

Peter Andrew, 73, said: "There were people shouting and running up and down the street.

"It's the first time for a while but this area is no stranger to trouble.

"The pub attracts people from all over the place and they all smoke outside, so it gets so noisy at weekends.

"You still don't like to see that sort of thing on your doorstep, though. I just hope he will be all right."

No one from the Bevendean pub would comment when approached by The Argus.

Detective Sergeant Steve French, investigating, said there was no evidence any weapon had been used.

He said: "This was a nasty incident and the victim's injuries were originally thought to be more severe.

"We believe something happened in the pub and there was then an altercation outside between a male and two other males.

"Despite there being lots of people around at the time, no one has told us anything so I would urge people to come forward."

Anyone with information should call DS French on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.