German language students needed hospital treatment after they were attacked by a gang of local youths.
The five students were approached by three teenagers as they walked through Southwick Square, Southwick.
The teenagers demanded cigarettes from the students, who were then attacked.
A police spokeswoman said: "Three of the students were injured and needed hospital treatment.
"One lost a tooth as a result of the attack and the others were treated for bruising."
The youths responsible were aged 14 to 18.
One was small with black hair, the second was tall and wore a white baseball cap, and the third had blond hair and wore a blue jacket.
Anyone with information should call Shoreham police on 9845 60 70 999.
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