A teenager was stabbed in the arm with a needle when he was approached by a group of 15 men.

The 17-year-old was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where blood tests were carried out to check for infections.

Police, who released details of the attack today, said the victim was attacked as he was walking near Preston Barracks just north of B&Q in Lewes Road, Brighton, at 11.15pm on Sunday.

The youth managed to get away from the men and was pursued by just one who stabbed him in the arm.

The offender is white, 5ft 10in, stocky and in his late 30s. He had distinctive bleached blonde shoulder-length dreadlocks and black stubble.

He was wearing a dirty white T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers. He also had a bull type ring through his nose and a large number of piercings on his ears.

Anyone with information should contact PC Stewart Chalmers on 0845 6070 999.